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I had the opportunity to visit a vernal pool in New Mexico in July and after a summertime “monsoon” rain. Lots of great wildlife to see.
Vernal pool full of water after a summer "monsoon" rain
The Mexican Beavertail Fairy Shrimp (Thamnocephalus mexicanus) hatch out from eggs that have been buried in the dust of dry pool beds recently filled by summer rains.
Mexican Beavertail Fairy Shrimp (Thamnocephalus mexicanus)
Mexican Beavertail Fairy Shrimp (Thamnocephalus mexicanus)
Mexican Beavertail Fairy Shrimp (Thamnocephalus mexicanus)
Smaller Fairy Shrimp species
Tadpole Shrimp were thick in this ephemeral pool
The Spadefoot Toads stir from their buried positions in the mud and move into ephemeral pools to breed
Love the eyes!
Within days of formation of ephemeral pools, Spadefoot Toad Tadpoles cruise the waters, feeding on anything they can grab with their jaws
Spadefoot Toad tadpole
Enjoyed the wildlife in the desert around the vernal pools, such as this Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)
Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)
Enjoyed hanging out with friends at the herpetological meetings.
Herpetological meetings are always special when I get to viti with old friends like Marty Crump and Vic Hutchison.
More soon…..
December 29th, 2013 at 11:31 am
The shrimp shots are incredible. How are you capturing them like this?
Juan
December 29th, 2013 at 3:11 pm
Hi Juan,
I have designed a series of photo tanks that I use to get these kinds of shots.
Cheers & Thanks-Dante