Canyon Country Animals
Potholes (Water Pockets)
On and around the slickrock region one can find hundreds of pockets of life that illustrate an amazing succession of life forms, to such an extent that deeper pockets, or potholes, hold enough water to spawn more complex life forms, such as tadpoles, fairy shrimp, and various winged-insect larvae.
The life cycles of pothole inhabitants are keyed to temperature, salinity, and moisture changes, so that entire life spans, from dormant egg to larvae to breeding adult and back again to dormant egg can transpire before a small pool of water can dry up completely.
Please demonstrate regard for these critters by not polluting their little universe with sunscreen, body oils, or other human generated waste. Water can be taken from potholes, and used at a distance, but please don't waste it.
Tadpole Shrimp
Scientific Name: Lepidurus packardi
Photos
Notes
- All of the photos on this page were taken in Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah.
- Although we see potholes on almost every hike across slickrock, it is only after a period of rain that water remains long enough for the hibernating life forms to rejuvenate and start moving about. It is often frustrating to walk from water pocket to water pocket only to stare into a lifeless pool of water. But when there is life, it is amazing to watch the little critters taking advantage of their short time.
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