Orphicus?

[TJ]

I'm pretty sure this explains the traits that distinguish C. orphicus from other Cynops species, but I don't know French. So it may or may not contain something that hasn't been covered here already.

I think it's from Les Salamandres de l'Ancien Monde (Robert Thorn and Jean Raffaelli -- 2001). Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong though because I don't have the whole book here, just the part on Cynops. Anything in there that's not covered in the original description by Risch?

(Message edited by TJ on September 30, 2005)

 

[mark]

My French isn't too good, in fact it's awful but I think it says something like...

"A cynops of average size which is characterized by the following features from the other species by a flattened head, with a canthus rostralis prominent. Skin very finely granulous. Tail dotted of small dark spots . Clear spots constantly present close to the lower base of each finger and toe. Ventral colouring formed of a clear band median (medium?) irregular and dark spots in lateral area"

I guessed some words so apologies to French speakers If there are mistakes.

 

[TJ]

Thanks. Mark. Well. I guess this is as good a chance as any to "bone up" on salamander osteology

Canthus rostralis and other such terms can be found here:

http://www.adcham.com/html/husbandry/glossary.html

I had just been just wondering if Thorn and Raffaelli had independently acquired some information on C. orphicus or whether the entry in their book was just a translation of Risch's info, as Ralf's earlier message seemed to suggest. Seems to be a case of the latter, though I've yet to compare it carefully with Risch's original description.

(Message edited by TJ on September 30, 2005)

 

[nate]

I've spoken with Jean Rafaelli about this in the past, and the info is a translation of Risch's abstract.

 

[justin]

Erik, any update on reproductive successes?
j

 

[erik]

Well just infertile eggs so far. I guess they will need some time to settle in and get used to the photoperiod and temperatures here. I am still not sure on the exact sex ratio, but at least I know I have one female.......

Hopefully I will get some more pics posted soon.....

 

[TJ]

How're those animals doing, Erik?

 

[erik]

well they are doing good, but no eggs lately. Just the infertile eggs from a while back. I guess they need some more time to settle in and adjust to life on this side of the pond. I'll try to get some more pics up soon.