Arboreal Salamander

Range

This species of salamander is native to California and Baja California del Norte in the western coast of the United States of America. They are also found in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Habitats

The aneides lugubris is associated with oak and sycamore woodlands and thick chaparral. They feed on insects and a variety of small invertebrates like Millipedes, worms, snails, ants, termites, snow bugs, centipedes and moths. They are nocturnal and they spend hours hiding from the daylight sun. Adults lay and protect their eggs in the subterranean burrows. They have no larval stage, and the young emerge from eggs fully formed and 24mm in length. Maturity is attained at 2.69 years and can live for 8-10 years.

Identification

Arboreal salamander has a gray body that is covered in creamy yellow spots. They can be spotted or not. Adults are roughly 6.5 -10cm in length. Juvenile is dark overall and clouded with grey and yellow speckles on its back. Male species are distinguished by a triangular head and a front jaw extending beyond its bottom line.

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