Mount Lyell Salamander
Hydromantes platycephalus
This stocky salamander with a wide, flat head averages 2-3.5 inches in snout to vent length and has a relatively short tail. It has large, well-developed legs with wide f…
How to identify
This stocky salamander with a wide, flat head averages 2-3.5 inches in snout to vent length and has a relatively short tail. It has large, well-developed legs with wide feet and webbed toes. It has nasolabial grooves and 12 costal grooves. It is grey to brown with darker mottling to match its granite rock surroundings. It has a long, mushroom-shaped tongue that projects quickly to catch insect prey.
Range
East central California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Habitat
This salamander is an excellent climber and is nearly always found in wet, rocky environments. It particularly likes granite talus slopes, and is also found in cave openings, rock fissures, cavern walls, and waterfall spray zones. Its habitats are typically open, rather than shaded.
Variations
Colors vary to match the individual's surroundings. Some are light tan while others are very dark greys and even black.
Similar species
Strongly resembles the Shasta salamander (*Hydromantes shastae*) and Samwel Shasta salamander (*Hydromantes samweli*), but could also be mistaken for the limestone salamander (*Hydromantes brunus*).
Name and etymology
Platycephalus: Greek for flat (platys) headed (kephalos).
At a glance
Range
East central California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Habitat
This salamander is an excellent climber and is nearly always found in wet, rocky environments. It particularly likes granite…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap