Curious behaviour in Firebelly Newts

[mrbgilson]

Hi, I was watching my newts today, and generally, they kinda keep away from each other, but today, two were sort of hanging out, and one was flicking its tail really quickly in front of the other. Is this breeding behaviour?

 

[Niels D]

Yes. That's probably the male fanning it's tale to spreads it's pheromones in the direction of the female trying to court her. When this is successful, he will deposit a spermatophore and he will try to guide the female over it, so the spermatophore will be absorbed by her cloaca. Get ready, because there's a good chance that you will be finding eggs.

 

[Newthanial]

Yes. That's probably the male fanning it's tale to spreads it's pheromones in the direction of the female trying to court her. When this is successful, he will deposit a spermatophore and he will try to guide the female over it, so the spermatophore will be absorbed by her cloaca. Get ready, because there's a good chance that you will be finding eggs.

Do firebellys brumate? Should I keep mine in the basement or do bring them up stairs for our colder northern state winter. I thought I heard a slightly warmer water change can initiate breeding is that true?

 

[JM29]

Do firebellys brumate? Should I keep mine in the basement or do bring them up stairs for our colder northern state winter. I thought I heard a slightly warmer water change can initiate breeding is that true?

Difficult to answer.
I read in an article that a colder period triggers breeding, but not lower than 10°C.
But some observe breeding without this.
This year, I had fertile firebellies eggs during july-august ; they were kept indoors and temperature never fell under 14°C.
I'm raising a few larvae now.