Western Dwarf Salamander

Range

The Eurycea paludicola is spread out through the western third of the Texan geographical area and found further eastward into the southern area of Arkansas, the majority of Louisiana and the eastern portion of Mississippi.

Habitats

The Western Dwarf Salamander favors habitats of swampy pine woods leaving most of its life under leaf litter. Reproduction is prime in the fall with between 12 and 48 eggs being laid in shallow or slow-moving water and preferably still waters.

Identification

The Western Dwarf Salamander has metachrosis ability which is the ability to change colors by alternating pigment cells. The dorsal color has a range of dark-brown to yellow while the dorsal strip can move from brown to orange to yellow which is usually lighter than the background color. It grows to between 2.0 and 3.5 inches with a slender body with a long tail and dark stripes down each side.

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