Ozark sal habitat IV- "twighlight zone"

[nate]

Here's some photos of a cave habitat.

The cave is located on the banks of the Gasconade River

The small entrance

The so-called "twilight zone" mentioned in field guides. Here Eurycea lucifuga, Eurycea longicauda melanopleura, and Plethodon albagula can be found amidst the rock rubble.

Further back, we reach a subterranean stream. There were 30+ pickerel frogs Rana palustris which are frequent cave inhabitants.

Further on, the cave became far too muddy to take photos as the fine mud and high humidity is notorious for destroying cameras. E. spelaeus were also found deeper in the cave but we did not risk the camera. In some places, the fine, silty mud was literally hip-deep.

(Message edited by nate on April 19, 2004)

 

[josh]

Incredible...

 

[russ]

I need to show you those nice rocky caves down by Noel, no mud.

RUSS

 

[nate]

Hi Russ, I've been in several caves down in the Noel area. Many have since been gated, though, and even more are badly polluted/vandalized. Next time you're down in the area, we should really meet up.

 

[jesper]

Caves are cool

 

[coen]

Holland is so boring compared to all the habitat pics you guys show here!

Nice pics Nate!

 

[Jan]

Holland is not boring at all if you come to appreciate all the pools with alpestris, vulgaris, cristatus and the odd helveticus in them...and pools we have here....

 

[chris]

Great pics Nate, as always!!

 

[coen]

That's true jan, however here in the southwest is vulgaris the only specie you're likely to find.