What is it Wednesday: April 17, 2019

Can you identify what's in this photo?

Each Wednesday morning 

on Camp Lutherlyn's Facebook page

 the Lutherlyn Environmental Education Program posts a photo. 

Readers have all morning and afternoon 

to make their best guess about what the photo is. 

Around 6 pm LEEP provides the answer and a brief explanation.

Each week's What is it Wednesday post 

will also be posted on the Nature of Lutherlyn blog, 

 after it is posted on Facebook,

sometimes with additional bonus information. 

In addition to bringing you current editions of What is it Wednesday 

on the Nature of Lutherlyn blog, 

we will be reposting old editions,

creating a What is it Wednesday archive. 

This photo was posted as a What is it Wednesday on

April 17, 2019. 

And the answer is....

These are both redback salamanders, but the one in the center of the photo is an unusual color variation known as a “leadback.” 

Redback salamanders typically look like the one in the bottom of the photo – dark and a little speckled on the sides and belly, with a brick-red stripe running the length of the back. Upon seeing a leadback, some people may think the red stripe hasn’t developed yet, but the stripe is either present from the beginning of a redback salamander’s life, or it is not present at all.

For more on how LEEP can help you learn about the splendid variety of nature, through school field trips, summer camp, Saturday safaris, special events, and more check out www.lutherlyn.com/ee. 

Like and follow Camp Lutherlyn on Facebook, to see What is it Wednesday posts when they come out and have the opportunity to share your guesses in the comments!