Cope's Giant Salamander
Dicamptodon copei
This neotenic species rarely metamorphosizes into adult form. It grows to nearly 20 cm in length and retains external gills and a flattened fin-like tail. It has a wide,…
How to identify
This neotenic species rarely metamorphosizes into adult form. It grows to nearly 20 cm in length and retains external gills and a flattened fin-like tail. It has a wide, shovel-like face and it's primarily medium-brown with areas of golden speckling. Its eyes are somewhat large.
Range
Coastal Washington and northwestern Oregon.
Habitat
Lives a mostly aquatic life in freshwater mountain pools and streams.
Variations
Very rarely it will develop into adult form.
Similar species
Somewhat similar to the Coastal giant salamander (*Dicamptodon tenebrosus*) which is not neotenic and has a more distinct spotty pattern of dark spots on a lighter background.
Name and etymology
Copei: Honoring Edward Drinker Cope.
More illustrations
Terrestrial form
At a glance
Range
Coastal Washington and northwestern Oregon.
Habitat
Lives a mostly aquatic life in freshwater mountain pools and streams.
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap