 Double-life Wonders - Salamanders
I was surprised to find several Eastern Red-backed Salamanders recently under a rock I lifted, thinking I would move it from beside my house foundation to a rock wall. Instead of moving it, I snapped these photos and very gently replaced the rock (their roof) precisely as it had been.
Eight species of salamander are native to Maine. Eastern red-backed salamanders are one of eight species native to Maine and are common throughout the state in woodlands under leaf litter, decaying logs, and rocks. Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reports that the "biomass of this species alone is estimated to be higher than the combined biomass of deer and moose in Maine forests." Amazing! And, even more amazing to me is that they eat ticks! Just for this, I am happy to support Eastern red-backed salamander habitat in my yard. Soon, they will burrow deep into the ground to overwinter. I’ll look forward to having them surprise me again come springtime. Read more about the Eastern red-backed salamander and its three color variations (morphs).
Salamanders are double-life wonders because they begin their life in water and then move onto land as adults. They are amphibians – a term which means double-life. Learn more about the amphibians of Maine and how to share your sightings.
|
Share Nature Note with your friends, family, teachers, scouts, and anyone you think might be interested. Here is how they can sign up for a free subscription:
Read back issues online.
Suggest a topic by email; put Nature Note in Subject line and email Jocelyn Hubbell.
|
