Sacramento Mountain Salamander
Aneides hardii
A brown mottled salamander with 14-15 costal grooves and long, well-developed legs. It has a wide, flat head with bulging eyes, and a rounded tail that's shorter or equal…
How to identify
A brown mottled salamander with 14-15 costal grooves and long, well-developed legs. It has a wide, flat head with bulging eyes, and a rounded tail that's shorter or equal in length to its body. Mottled pattern is typically light brown to bronze on a dark brown background color. Adults reach 4.3 cm in snout to vent length.
Range
Limited range in the mountains of south central New Mexico, primarily in Lincoln National Forest.
Habitat
This salamander is found in mountain habitats above 7900 feet. It is most prevalent in spruce and fir forests on north and east facing slopes. Like most salamanders, it spends much of its time hidden under moist leaf litter, rocks, or rotting logs. At higher elevations, it can be found in moss and lichen-covered rock habitats.
Variations
Mottled pattern varies from moderate spotting to dense blotching. Some densely patterned individuals appear to have a dorsal stripe.
Similar species
This salamander is not likely to be confused with any other species in its range.
Name and etymology
Genus
Aneides
Greek for lacking (an-) shape (eidos).
Origin
Sources
- Baird, 1849.
Aneides. Baird, 1849 -
Species epithet
hardii
Honoring D. Elmo Hardy.
Origin
Honors
Sources
- (Taylor, 1941). Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, Vol. 54, p. 77 ↗
Aneides hardii. (Taylor, 1941) - Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, Vol. 54, p. 77
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Limited range in the mountains of south central New Mexico, primarily in Lincoln National Forest.
Habitat
This salamander is found in mountain habitats above 7900 feet. It is most prevalent in spruce and fir forests on north and ea…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap