A small, cave-dwelling salamander endemic to limestone regions of northwestern Italy, characterized by its cryptic coloration and subterranean lifestyle.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Karst landscapes, limestone caves, underground caverns, and rocky mountainous regions in northwestern Italy, typically at elevations between 100-1,500 meters above sea level.
Ecological Role
Plays a crucial role in cave ecosystem dynamics as a predator of small invertebrates, contributing to subterranean food web regulation and serving as an indicator species for cave habitat health.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, moist skin with mottled brown and gray pigmentation providing excellent camouflage in dark, rocky habitats
LIMBS WINGSFour relatively short limbs with five digits each, specialized for climbing and maneuvering in rocky, uneven cave environments
HEAD SENSORYLarge, protruding eyes with reduced pigmentation, sensitive to low-light environments, and a rounded snout with well-developed chemosensory capabilities
BODY STRUCTURESlender body, approximately 10-12 cm in total length, with a laterally compressed tail adapted for moving through narrow cave passages
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Benny Trapp
