Long-tailed salamander
A species of Brook salamander Scientific name : Eurycea longicauda Genus : Brook salamander
Long-tailed salamander, A species of Brook salamander
Scientific name: Eurycea longicauda
Genus: Brook salamander
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Judy Gallagher , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Eurycea longicauda â known as the long-tailed salamander or longtail salamander â is a species of lungless salamander native to the Appalachian Region of the eastern United States. It is a "cave salamander" that frequents twilight zones of caves and also inhabits springs and surrounding forest.
General Info
Lifespan
12-15 years
Diet
Long-tailed salamander predominantly feeds on small invertebrates, specifically aquatic insects and crustaceans. The species prefers soft-bodied prey, often targeting immature mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies within their aquatic habitats.
Appearance
Long-tailed salamander is a small, slender salamander, known for its long, tapering tail and smooth, moist skin. Displaying shades of brown or gray, it often exhibits dark, rounded spots across its body. Its legs are short and thin, and its eyes are large and black. Both genders look similar, but mature males can be identified by their swollen lower lip during the breeding season.
Behavior
Long-tailed salamander is known for its nocturnal behavior and unique climbing capabilities. It leaves its aquatic habitat during nighttime in search of food. This species is fairly solitary, interacting only during breeding season. Its survival hinges on maintaining cool body temperatures so it finds refuge in aquatic and damp terrestrial habitats.
Population
Stable
Photo By Judy Gallagher , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Lungless salamanders Genus
Brook salamander Species
Long-tailed salamander