A small terrestrial salamander endemic to eastern North America, characterized by its distinctive four-toed limbs and unique habitat preferences.
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ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Inhabits moist forested areas with abundant leaf litter, moss-covered logs, and rocky terrain near streams and wetlands in northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Ecological Role
Critical for forest ecosystem balance, controlling invertebrate populations and serving as prey for small predators; indicator species for forest habitat health.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, moist skin with reddish-brown to gray coloration and distinctive white-bordered black belly
LIMBS WINGSFour distinct toes on each foot, unusually small compared to other salamander species
HEAD SENSORYLarge eyes, short snout, well-developed chemosensory capabilities for navigation and prey detection
BODY STRUCTURESmall salamander, typically 5-10 cm in total length, with slender body and distinctive constriction between head and trunk
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Peter Paplanus from St. Louis, Missouri
