Shasta Black Salamander

Range

Aneides iecanus inhabits the north-central and western parts of Shasta County and extends into the southeastern corner of Siskiyou County in California, USA. Its range may also include the Central Valley edges of the Coast Ranges in western Tehama and Glenn Counties, California, USA.

Habitats

Aneides iecanus is mainly found below 1000 m elevation near Shasta Lake and Castle Crags, where it lives near streams and on steep canyon slopes.

Identification

Aneides iecanus belongs to the Aneides flavipunctatus complex of robust black salamanders with white speckles. It has a large triangular head with strong jaws and nasolabial grooves. The snout-vent length averages 75.8 mm in males and 70.1 mm in females. It has moderately long limbs that are separated by three intercostal spaces and slender digits with terminal expansions. The tail is moderately long and can regenerate if lost. The coloration is black with moderate to heavy white speckling on the head, body, and tail, which is consistent in both adults and juveniles.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians