Wednesday, February 11th, I survived my first “herping” experience. Three other classmates, the TA, and I traveled to Meeman-Shelby State Park in Millington, TN. The previous night Matt and Forest, along with two other herp students, opened the lids on the pitfall traps that surrounded two large ponds. There was severe rainfall that night and with last minute planning we decided to go immediately to check the traps in order to avoid the drowning of any precious species. With our luck, we discovered a few unlucky guys who fell into our traps. After comparing the three salamander species, we determined that two were Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) and one was a Mole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum). We also discovered a very emaciated Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii).
It was interesting to me to see the differences between two species of salamanders. Although both were very distinguishable on which species they were, one had a darker brown body and displayed brighter yellow spots in quantity and quality then the other salamander. Also, it was sad to see the Spadefoot so withered. We rescued the S. holbrookii and took him back to our lab where we provided him with a moist habitat loaded with crickets at his disposal. Hopefully the poor fellow has gotten healthier since his liberation from the real wilderness. Forest? Anyway, below are a few pictures of the species that we caught. Hope you enjoy!
Serena Babin
Memphis, TN
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