Salamanders
2010’s Amphibian Discoveries – New Species and New Information – Part 2
May 3rd
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Global amphibian declines and extinctions spurred herpetologists to pay special attention to frogs, salamanders and caecilians in 2010. In Part 1 of this article, I reported on the discovery of several new species, and the re-discovery of a few that had not been seen for decades. Today we’ll look at interesting findings concerning a well-known salamander that houses algae in its cells and a rarely- seen species that lives for over 100 years.
Algae in Salamander Cells
It’s long been known that algae growing within the egg masses of Spotted Salamanders, Ambystoma maculatum, provides oxygen to the embryos and utilizes their waste products. In 2010, however, Dalhousie University (Canada) biologists shocked the herp world by announcing that they had found living algae within Spotted Salamander cells, functioning as it does in the egg mass. This is the closest known association between a vertebrate and a plant, mimicking in some ways the relationship between algae and coral. More >
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Loading ...Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation for Aquatic Frogs, Turtles & Newts – Part 2
Apr 19th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. In Part 1 of this article we discussed vitamin/mineral supplements for aquatic animals that accept prepared/non-living foods; included among these are African Clawed Frogs, Sharp-Ribbed and many other newts, and most water-dwelling turtles.
Live Prey Specialists
Animals that take live prey only are especially troublesome when it comes to supplementation, as one cannot coat live aquatic food animals with powders. Popular live food specialists include Dwarf African Clawed Frogs, Mata Mata Turtles, Surinam Toads, Mudpuppies and the larvae of most salamanders. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...2010’s Amphibian Discoveries – New Species and New Information – Part 1
Apr 15th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. In the wake of continuing amphibian extinctions, herpetologists made a special effort to study frogs and salamanders in 2010. Their hard work resulted in the discovery of new species and others believed extinct, and in many surprising new findings about how they live.
Please note: the species described below are barely studied; the photos shown here are of close relatives. Please see article below for actual photos.
“Back From Extinction”
Biologists participating in a program launched by Conservation International and the IUCN combed the globe in hopes of finding amphibians that have already been “written off” as gone forever. Herp enthusiasts were pleased to learn that at least 3 of these, while very rare, do indeed continue to hold on. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation for Aquatic Frogs, Turtles & Newts – Part 1
Apr 8th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Powdered vitamin and mineral supplements for reptiles and amphibians have been a great boon to herp keepers. However, African Clawed Frogs, Red-Eared Sliders, Axolotls and other creatures that feed only in water present special challenges, as the supplements wash away before being consumed. Today we’ll look at some ways around this problem. More >
(+1 rating, 1 votes) Loading ...The Eastern Newt – the Many Subspecies and Hybrids of a Popular Pet – Part 2
Dec 10th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Quite a few subspecies of the Eastern Newt (Notopthalmus viridescens) have made their way into the pet trade. All are hardy, interesting and possible to breed in captivity. Please see Part 1 of this article for information on their care and feeding. The following descriptions and habitat information should help in identifying your newt. However, natural and captive-generated hybrids can complicate the process – please write in if you need assistance. More >
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