Many-Ribbed Salamander

Range

Southwestern Missouri, northwestern Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma, and extreme southeastern Kansas.

Habitats

This species is primarily aquatic, but sometimes found in cool, moist terrestrial areas around freshwater. They are most often found under rocks or logs in springs or slow-moving streams, but will also inhabit cave mouths.

Identification

A long, skinny salamander that reaches 3-4.5 cm in snout to vent length, although neotenic individuals are common in some populations and they tend to grow larger and reach 5.4 cm in snout to vent length. It is primarily yellow in color and has a small flat head and skinny legs. It has many noticeable costal grooves, and its ventrum is solid yellow without markings.

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