A small, elongated salamander endemic to western California, characterized by its extremely thin body and dark ventral coloration.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal and mountain forests, woodland areas, chaparral regions, typically in moist environments with abundant ground cover like leaf litter, logs, and rocks in coastal California from Monterey County to San Diego County
Ecological Role
Critical role in forest ecosystem as predator of small invertebrates and prey for larger predators, contributing to nutrient cycling and food web dynamics
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, moist skin with dark dorsal coloration and characteristic black ventral surface
LIMBS WINGSFour small, delicate limbs with thin digits, adapted for moving through dense ground vegetation
HEAD SENSORYSmall, narrow head with well-developed eyes and chemosensory capabilities for detecting prey and environmental cues
BODY STRUCTUREExtremely slender, elongated body, typically 5-10 cm in total length, with reduced limbs and a very thin profile
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Chris Brown, USGS
