Relictual Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps relictus
A small species in its genus, this salamander averages 2.6-4.8 cm in snout to vent length. It is slender and has a tail that's slightly longer than its body. It has scraw…
How to identify
A small species in its genus, this salamander averages 2.6-4.8 cm in snout to vent length. It is slender and has a tail that's slightly longer than its body. It has scrawny legs, a short snout, and costal grooves. It has a wide dorsal stripe that is usually brown, but can be reddish or gold, and its sides are dark grey to black with white speckles. Its ventrum is pale grey with white speckles.
Range
Small range in the southwestern Sierra Nevada Mountains of central California; specifically on Breckenridge Mountain.
Habitat
This species likes consistently moist environments such as springs and seepages in conifer forests. It often takes shelter under rotting logs and bark debris.
Variations
Some have a very distinct dorsal stripe, while others do not. Color of stripe varies from brown to reddish to gold.
Similar species
Historically, the Greenhorn Mountain slender salamander (*Batrachoseps altasierrae*), Fairview slender salamander (*Batrachoseps bramei*), and Kern Plateau slender salamander (*Batrachoseps robustus*) were all classified as the same species with the relictual slender salamander.
Name and etymology
Relictus: Latin for left behind.
At a glance
Range
Small range in the southwestern Sierra Nevada Mountains of central California; specifically on Breckenridge Mountain.
Habitat
This species likes consistently moist environments such as springs and seepages in conifer forests. It often takes shelter un…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap