Early spring is mating season for aquatic newts on my NC property. A male approaches females, putting his nose in the appropriate spot to assess readiness.
If conditions are right, he wrestles her to the bottom and deposits a sperm package on a leaf, which is then absorbed through an opening called a cloaca in the female’s body.
Though not a very romantic union, the birthing process is surprisingly tender. The female lays 2 or 3 eggs per day, gently nestling them in floating plant roots for protection. Hatchlings remain there until ready to venture forth.
Tags: newt newts amphibian amphibians wildlife nature beauty magic outdoors forest water aquatic mating animals spring birth