A medium-sized woodland salamander endemic to southwestern United States, characterized by its dark body with white or silvery mottled spots and a slimy secretion used for defense.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed forest ecosystems, typically found under logs, rocks, and leaf litter in moist environments of Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and surrounding regions at elevations between 100-1,200 meters.
Ecological Role
Key species in forest floor ecosystems, controlling insect populations, serving as prey for small predators, and indicating forest ecosystem health through its sensitivity to environmental changes.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, dark black or dark brown skin with distinctive white or silvery-gray mottled patterns
LIMBS WINGSFour robust limbs with five digits, adapted for terrestrial locomotion and burrowing
HEAD SENSORYBroad head with large eyes, well-developed chemosensory abilities, prominent nasolabial grooves
BODY STRUCTUREElongated salamander, approximately 11-17 cm in total length, robust body with rounded tail
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago
