A small, lungless terrestrial salamander native to eastern North America, characterized by its slender body and color variations, including a distinctive red dorsal stripe in some morphs.
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ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed forests with moist, cool environments, primarily in leaf litter, under logs, rocks, and in soil cavities across northeastern United States and southeastern Canada
Ecological Role
Key mid-level predator in forest ecosystems, controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger vertebrates; critical in nutrient cycling and forest floor biodiversity
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, permeable skin essential for cutaneous respiration, lacking scales, capable of color morphs including striped and unstriped variants
LIMBS WINGSFour relatively short limbs with five digits, adapted for terrestrial locomotion and navigating forest floor substrate
HEAD SENSORYSmall, rounded head with well-developed chemosensory capabilities, prominent eyes, and sensitive skin for environmental detection
BODY STRUCTURESlender, elongated body with length ranging 6-12 cm, weight 2-5 g, typically dark gray or black with potential red dorsal stripe
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Judy Gallagher
