I came across what I belive to be salamander larvae (is that the correct term?) today in a pond and I was hoping someone here could help with identifying.
The pond is in Clatskanie, OR which is an hour out of Portland, OR on your way to the coast. I found them in a pond today and brought a small cluster of each kind home for identification. I have seen in the pond what I think is a rough skinned newt (I only saw its underbelly and it was bright orange!) and then I have seen other LARGE salamanders but they were too far away to identify. They are always swimming in the deep center of the pond so of course I cannot get close.
One cluster is large, softball size almost and very green and jelly-like. My husband kids that its like a breast implant! lol Anyways... the other cluster is very different looking. It too is jelly-like but instead is clear and small and clinging to a branch in the water. The first one was in the shallows just sitting in the grasses.
After doing some looking online it seems that they both could be salamander larvae even though they look very different. I was really hoping someone here could help with identification. I would like to care for them until they hatch and then set them back in the pond. I think it would be interesting for my 5 year old daughter to see and I must admit I am curious as well.
So anyways, any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time!!!
Jinx
