Gabilan Mountains Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps gavilanensis
A very long, slender-bodied salamander with a small head and short snout. It can reach a total length of over 16 cm, with a tail that can be more than twice the length of…
How to identify
A very long, slender-bodied salamander with a small head and short snout. It can reach a total length of over 16 cm, with a tail that can be more than twice the length of its body. It has a dorsal groove down the center of its back, which sometimes connects to the costal grooves. Its legs are skinny and not well developed. Most individuals have a wide stripe down the back and tail, bordered in black, with light grey coloration on the sides of the body.
Range
Somewhat small range in the coastal mountains of central California.
Habitat
Found in redwood and evergreen forests, oak woodlands, and chaparral habitats. It will often burrow in moist soil or leaf litter.
Variations
Some are uniformly dark brown or grey, while others have the central stripe ranging from tan to reddish brown.
Similar species
Quite similar to the California slender salamander (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) or the Santa Lucia Mountains slender salamander (*Batrachoseps luciae*).
Name and etymology
Gavilanensis: Of the Gabilan Mountains.
At a glance
Range
Somewhat small range in the coastal mountains of central California.
Habitat
Found in redwood and evergreen forests, oak woodlands, and chaparral habitats. It will often burrow in moist soil or leaf lit…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap