Range
East central California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Habitats
This salamander is an excellent climber and is nearly always found in wet, rocky environments. It particularly likes granite talus slopes, and is also found in cave openings, rock fissures, cavern walls, and waterfall spray zones. Its habitats are typically open, rather than shaded.
Identification
This stocky salamander with a wide, flat head averages 2-3.5 inches in snout to vent length and has a relatively short tail. It has large, well-developed legs with wide feet and webbed toes. It has nasolabial grooves and 12 costal grooves. It is grey to brown with darker mottling to match its granite rock surroundings. It has a long, mushroom-shaped tongue that projects quickly to catch insect prey.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians