The Ausable River Valley!

Life on the forest floor!

Yellow-spotted Salamanders breed in early spring, often while there is still ice on ponds. Females lay up to 250 eggs and attach the egg mass to submerged vegetation. Adults are terrestrial carnivores that eat a variety of insects and other invertebrates, such as worms and slugs.

https://ontarionature.org/programs/community-science/reptile-amphibian-atlas/spotted-salamander/

Vernal pools (created each year from melting snow and spring rains) are critical for the development of the next generation of salamanders.

Eastern Red-back Salamander

Cross-breeding within the Ambystoma Species Complex makes it difficult to positively identify this salamander.

Earthworm (sp.) Salamander food!

Typical Leafhopper - I was surprised to find an adult leaf hopper this early in the season. After 2 photos, it quickly dropped to the forest floor and disappeared under the leaves.

Virginia Ctenucha Moth caterpillar: Adults are common in the warm months. This is the first time I have found it at the larval stage.

A Millipede (sp) was found on the underside of a stick. - A good spot to hide from hungry salamanders!

Spring Fishfly

Owl Pellet found under a cedar tree. Likely from a Screech or Saw-whet Owl.

Bones hidden within the owl pellet, including the skull and jawbone, show the owl dined on a tiny rodent, possibly a Shrew.