40 Stunning Photographs of Nature, Up Close and Personal
“Red-spotted Newt Courtship Behavior Underwater” by Steven David Johnson
Finalist, “Animals”
A very clear, richly detailed photo of two newts embracing in a dance-like way underwater, one curled above the other
Photo: Steven David Johnson
I made this image in the early days of a long-term series about vernal pool life and the fascinating creatures that inhabit temporary ponds in the southern Appalachian Mountains and surrounding lowlands. Most aquatic salamanders breed at night, but red-spotted newts are one of the exceptions. Because their skin contains powerful toxins, they can be out and about in broad daylight with relatively little concern for predators. I photographed this pair of newts engaged in courtship behavior just below the surface of a vernal pool in Virginia.
Finalist, “Animals”
A very clear, richly detailed photo of two newts embracing in a dance-like way underwater, one curled above the other
Photo: Steven David Johnson
I made this image in the early days of a long-term series about vernal pool life and the fascinating creatures that inhabit temporary ponds in the southern Appalachian Mountains and surrounding lowlands. Most aquatic salamanders breed at night, but red-spotted newts are one of the exceptions. Because their skin contains powerful toxins, they can be out and about in broad daylight with relatively little concern for predators. I photographed this pair of newts engaged in courtship behavior just below the surface of a vernal pool in Virginia.
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15 July 2022
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