Cascade Torrent Salamander
Rhyacotriton cascadae
Small narrow body, length up to 4 inches. Tail and snout are short, limbs stubby. Dorsal coloration is brown occasionally yellow with small black spots. Ventral side rang…
How to identify
Small narrow body, length up to 4 inches. Tail and snout are short, limbs stubby. Dorsal coloration is brown occasionally yellow with small black spots. Ventral side ranges from yellow to orange with splotchy black patterning.
Range
Found exclusively in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, narrow range from southwestern Washington to western Oregon. Range bordered by the Cascade Mountain range to the east and the Willamette Valley to the west.
Habitat
Terrestrial. Found in riparian zones in coniferous forests near permanent, fast-flowing cold mountain streams, creeks, and brooks or springs.
Variations
Individual populations have unique markings, some have black marking down sides while others have grey specks on chin.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Genus
Rhyacotriton
Greek for stream (rhyakos) Triton.
Origin
Sources
- Dunn, 1920. Proc. New England Zool. Club, Vol. 7, p. 56
Rhyacotriton. Dunn, 1920 - Proc. New England Zool. Club, Vol. 7, p. 56
Species epithet
cascadae
Of the Cascade Mountains.
Origin
Sources
- Good and Wake, 1992
Rhyacotriton kezeri. Good and Wake, 1992
- Slater, 1939. Herpetologica, Vol. 1, p. 145
Rana cascadae. Slater, 1939 - Herpetologica, Vol. 1, p. 145
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Found exclusively in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, narrow range from southwestern Washington to western Oregon.…
Habitat
Terrestrial. Found in riparian zones in coniferous forests near permanent, fast-flowing cold mountain streams, creeks, and br…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap