A small, slender salamander species native to western North America, characterized by distinctive long toes and a dark body with a yellow or olive longitudinal stripe.
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ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Inhabits diverse western ecosystems including coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and wetland areas from British Columbia, Canada to California, USA, typically at elevations between 0-3,200 meters above sea level.
Ecological Role
Critical component of forest and aquatic food webs, serving as predator and prey, controlling insect populations and providing nutrition for larger vertebrate species.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, moist skin with dark background coloration and distinctive yellow or olive dorsal stripe
LIMBS WINGSFour limbs with long, distinctive toes, adapted for terrestrial and aquatic locomotion
HEAD SENSORYBroad, flattened head with large eyes and external gills during larval stage
BODY STRUCTURESmall salamander, typically 12-20 cm in total length, with slender body and elongated toes
