A small, elongated salamander species endemic to California, characterized by its slender body and limited geographic distribution within coastal and mountain habitats.
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ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Primarily found in woodland, chaparral, and garden environments of coastal California, ranging from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters elevation, preferring moist microhabitats with abundant leaf litter and decaying logs.
Ecological Role
Critical role in forest and garden ecosystems as a small predator controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger vertebrates, contributing to local food web dynamics.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, moist skin with dark brown to black coloration, often with lighter marbling or speckling
LIMBS WINGSFour small, thin limbs with reduced digits, adapted for moving through dense ground vegetation
HEAD SENSORYSmall head with functional eyes, thin pointed snout, and sensitive chemosensory capabilities
BODY STRUCTUREExtremely slender body, typically 5-10 cm total length, with reduced limbs and a elongated, cylindrical trunk
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Grigory Heaton
