Jollyville Plateau Salamander
Eurycea tonkawae
Aquatic salamander that never reaches a terrestrial form; keeps external gills for entire life span. Dorsum is brown with green tinge; belly is clear colored. External gi…
How to identify
Aquatic salamander that never reaches a terrestrial form; keeps external gills for entire life span. Dorsum is brown with green tinge; belly is clear colored. External gills on neck behind head; fins are orange in color. Juvenile population is highest during the spring and summer. Highly threatened by urbanization threats like water contamination.
Range
Occurs only in certain Texas springs including the Jollyville Plateau region and Brushy Creek.
Habitat
Mainly inhabits springs. Populations have also been found living in caves.
Variations
Sexually mature females display wide jaws and short-snouts.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Tonkawae: Belonging to Tonkawa Springs.
At a glance
Range
Occurs only in certain Texas springs including the Jollyville Plateau region and Brushy Creek.
Habitat
Mainly inhabits springs. Populations have also been found living in caves.
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap