Marbled Salamander
(Ambystoma opacum). A male from deep East Texas.
Though drought conditions persist in East Texas, marbled salamanders have managed to begin their annual breeding migrations. Unlike most other members of the genus, marbled salamanders breed in the fall, with females laying their eggs on dry ground at the margins of vernal pools, where they will guard them until fall rains inundate the area. This attractive male was photographed on a bed of American beech, witch hazel, black tupelo, and water oak leaves from the surrounding forest.
Marbled Salamander
(Ambystoma opacum). A male from deep East Texas.
Though drought conditions persist in East Texas, marbled salamanders have managed to begin their annual breeding migrations. Unlike most other members of the genus, marbled salamanders breed in the fall, with females laying their eggs on dry ground at the margins of vernal pools, where they will guard them until fall rains inundate the area. This attractive male was photographed on a bed of American beech, witch hazel, black tupelo, and water oak leaves from the surrounding forest.