Ozark Zigzag Salamander

Range

Northwestern Arkansas, southwestern Missouri, and northeastern Oklahoma.

Habitats

This species is found in moist leaf debris, talus slopes, and rocky caves in forest habitats. Rocky cedar glades are commonly used by adults during courtship.

Identification

This slim-bodied salamander has a flat head with a rounded snout, and skinny legs. It averages 3.5 cm in snout to vent length, with a round tail about the same length as its body. It has a yellow to red medium-width stripe down the center of its back and tail, which is not completely solid or defined; it looks like a line of spray paint. The rest of its body is grey-brown with tiny white speckles, which are more prevalent on its sides. Its ventrum is light grey with dense white speckling.

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