Southern zigzag salamander
A species of Woodland salamanders Scientific name : Plethodon ventralis Genus : Woodland salamanders
Southern zigzag salamander, A species of Woodland salamanders
Scientific name: Plethodon ventralis
Genus: Woodland salamanders
Content
Description General Info
Photo By supertiger , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Southern Zigzag Salamander (Plethodon ventralis) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to the United States.
General Info
Lifespan
6-15 years
Diet
Southern zigzag salamander prevalently subsists on arthropods, with ants and beetles forming the bulk of its diet. This species also intermittently consumes spiders, implying a degree of dietary diversity.
Appearance
Southern zigzag salamander is a small, slender salamander with smooth skin and a long tail. Its body is primarily black with unique gold or silver patches sprinkled evenly over the dorsal surface. Females tend to be noticeably larger and more robust than males. This amphibian lacks any form of limb modifications such as wings or horns.
Behavior
Southern zigzag salamander is a nocturnal amphibian, largely solitary, with tendencies for territorial defense. This species remains sedentary, often seen return to the same resting place repeatedly. Their survival is heavily dependent on moisture, exhibiting escape behavior when placed in dry environments by secreting mucus from their skin. Southern zigzag salamander has evolved no specific migration behavior, indicative of their close attachment to their niche habitat.
Population
Stable
Photo By supertiger , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Lungless salamanders Genus
Woodland salamanders Species
Southern zigzag salamander