1. Vernal Pools a seasonal habitat

2. What is a Vernal Pool? A temporary spring pond that forms in a depression over a layer of clay soil. Only full during the rainy season Evaporates during spring and dries up during summer

3. Special features of Vernal Pools Clay bottoms Seasonal Specialized plants and animals Rings of wildflowers Fresh water

4. Clay bottoms (with hydric soil) Aka “hardpan” or “clay pan” Lack of oxygen Hard and dry in summer

5. Inhabited by animals that are adapted to dry seasons Tiger salamander Fairy shrimp Tadpole shrimp Birds of prey Butterflies Solitary bee

6. Rings of wildflowers

7. Fairy Shrimp Only found in vernal pools Eggs become embedded in the hard clay during summer Eggs hatch when rains come Adults die after egg laying

8. Tadpole shrimp Only found in vernal pools Endangered Eggs become embedded in the hard clay during summer Eggs hatch when rains come Eggs can remain dormant for many years Adults die after egg laying

9. Solitary Bee Solitary Bees emerge in the spring when their host flowers are blooming. Female digs a nest in the ground Can remain up to four years underground waiting for the rains and flower bloom

10. California Tiger Salamander Endangered Aquatic larvae hatch from eggs laid when pools fill in spring Juvenile and adults migrate out during dry season