Range
Northeastern Oklahoma, northwestern Arkansas, and southwestern Missouri.
Habitats
Neotenic individuals remain entirely aquatic and can be found hiding amongst coarse gravel or rocks at the bottoms of clear, cool, flowing streams or small springs where invertebrate prey is plentiful. Fully metamorphosized adults often live a subterranean lifestyle, but can be found in moist leaf litter and detritus over muddy ground or seepage areas.
Identification
This species of salamander is often neotenic, but sometimes metamorphosizes into adult, terrestrial form. Little is known about this species, but it has been measured at 2.6 cm in snout to vent length. It has a slender body, scrawny legs, and a laterally compressed tail. It is primarily grey-brown with a jagged-edged lighter dorsal stripe and white frosting on its sides. It usually has a light yellowish stripe on the top of its tail.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians