Spotted-tail Salamander

Spotted-tail Salamander
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Caudata
Family: Plethodontidae
Genus: Eurycea
Species: E. lucifuga
Binomial name
Eurycea lucifuga

The Spotted-tail Salamander (Eurycea lucifuga) is a species of cave salamander.[2]

Contents

Distribution

This species is found in Illinois,[3] Missouri,[4] Kentucky, Virginia,[5] West Virginia,[6] Oklahoma and Kansas.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from September to February. Females can give 5–120 eggs.[7]

Identification

E. lucifuga can be identified by the dark spots that cover the body and tail. Adults of this species can reach lengths of 15 cm (5.9 in).[8]

Habitat

The Spotted-tail Salamander can be found in the twilight zone of caves,[9] close to caves, and also under moist rocks and logs.[10]

References

  1. ^ Hammerson, Geoffrey (2004). "Eurycea lucifuga". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/59269. Retrieved 28 November 2009. 
  2. ^ Conant, R., J. Collins. 1998. Peterson Field Guides: Reptiles and Amphibians (Eastern/Central North America). New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.
  3. ^ Conant, R. and J. T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, New York.
  4. ^ Johnson, T. and K. Love. 1987. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri
  5. ^ Smith, Hobart M. 1978. Amphibians of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Press, New York. p. 160
  6. ^ Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, New York
  7. ^ Bishop, S. 1994. Handbook of Salamanders: The Salamanders of the United States, of Canada, and of Lower California. London: Comstock Publishing Associates.
  8. ^ Lannoo, M. J. 1998. Status and Conservation of Midwestern Amphibians. University of Iowa Press, Iowa City.
  9. ^ Conant,R. 1975 Field Guide Reptiles Amphibians Eastern & Central North America. Houghton Mifflin. Boston
  10. ^ Petranka, J. W. 1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, USA