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Yellow Spotted Salamander Migration 2006
Monday March 13
Every spring, on the first warm, moist night of March, Yellow Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum)
which can reach about 10 inches in length start emerging from the soil
in the CIW woods. Mysteriously they know the time and direction to
move. They cross the connector road to migrate to the water of the
ditch, pond, and vernal pools of the Nature Preserve. After
dropping down into the road, the poor little guys then become trapped
in the road being unable to scale the curb. However, they have been
given assistance by the BU Physical Facilities (thanks, PF). PF
has graciously provided ramps for the salamanders to climb out of the
road and the road is kept closed to traffic until the migration is
over.
In the water, males lay down little white packets called spermatophores
along patches of aquatic vegetation. Then the males court
females, trying to entice the females to pick up their spermatophores.
Within days, the females lay bunches of eggs in 'egg masses'
which may be clear or milky in appearance.
Unfortunately,
(or maybe fortunate for the salamanders) while the students were away
for spring break, the Yellow Spotted Salamanders commenced their annual
spring migration. However, with the sudden onset of cold weather
just after they crossed, perhaps there will be a second wave on the
next warm rainy night. There is still evidence in the form of the
spermatophores to be seen in the waterways. Soon, there will be
egg masses. Below are some pictures from this year's migration by
Dylan Horvath and Becky Urban.
 
Are those smiles?
Beautiful Spots!
Using cracks!
using the ramps!
Posing on the Bridge! (Testing the air, wondering where to go?)
Some other denizens of that dark night...
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Caterpillar (anybody know what kind?)
 
Spring Peeper Green Frog |
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