T. A. Apuanus

[andrew]

I recently got six triturus alpestris apuanus that are about six months old. And the odd thing is that the second day i had them, one of them started laying eggs. I have had them for three days now and there are about 10 eggs. And i find more every morning. Could these be unfertile eggs. And even if so, it seems odd to me that at this young they would be able to lay eggs at all. An explanation would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Andrew

(Message edited by andrew_taricha on April 20, 2005)

 

[jennifer]

Lucky you! I suspect that your newts were raised last spring, which would make them closer to a year in age. It's precocious, but not unheard-of for newts to lay eggs in their first season. They could be fertile or infertile. Did the previous owner see any courtship? No way of telling but to wait and see.

 

[alan]

My M./T. alpestris apuanus started laying fertile eggs 13 months after hatching themselves. Although they have been well cared for, I have made no particular efforts to "power-up" these newts.
I'm extremely sceptical that they could breed successfully after six months. How big are they? As Jen said, I suspect they are closer to twelve months old.

 

[andrew]

Well they mophed about 6 months ago. They are all between 2.5 to 3.5 inches.