Fern Bank Salamander
Eurycea pterophila
This salamander is completely aquatic, retaining its external gills and tail fins throughout adulthood. It reaches 3-4 cm in snout to vent length, and is mostly grey with…
How to identify
This salamander is completely aquatic, retaining its external gills and tail fins throughout adulthood. It reaches 3-4 cm in snout to vent length, and is mostly grey with dark speckles all over and a row of small yellow spots on each dorsolateral line. It also has 2 indistinct dark lines on its face, running from each eye to the tip of the snout.
Range
Only found in central Texas living in springs and caves of the Blanco River watershed.
Habitat
Strictly aquatic species that lives at the bottom of natural spring-fed water bodies, hiding among rocks and other substrate.
Variations
No significant variations in appearance are known.
Similar species
The Texas salamander (*Eurycea neotenes*) and Valdina Farms salamander (*Eurycea troglodytes*) are quite similar.
Name and etymology
Pterophila: Greek for fern (ptero) lover (philos)
At a glance
Range
Only found in central Texas living in springs and caves of the Blanco River watershed.
Habitat
Strictly aquatic species that lives at the bottom of natural spring-fed water bodies, hiding among rocks and other substrate.…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap