French cave salamander
A species of European cave salamanders, Also known as Strinati's cave salamander Scientific name : Speleomantes strinatii Genus : European cave salamanders
French cave salamander, A species of European cave salamanders
Also known as:
Strinati's cave salamander
Scientific name: Speleomantes strinatii
Genus: European cave salamanders
Content
Description General Info
Photo By andrearivela , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Speleomantes strinatii, the French cave salamander, North-west Italian cave salamander, or Strinati's cave salamander. is a small (10-12.5cm long) species of salamander found in north-west Italy and south-east France. It is very similar in appearance to the Italian cave salamander (Speleomantes italicus), but has a paler belly.
General Info
Lifespan
9-12 years
Diet
French cave salamander is an insatiable predator, primarily consuming an array of invertebrates. Its diet is largely dominated by plump earthworms and various arthropods like insects and spiders, fulfilling its protein-rich dietary requirements.
Appearance
French cave salamander is a medium-sized salamander, with a slender, elongated body and skin that appears granulated. The main coloration of the skin is typically dark brown or black, often marked with light-colored, irregularly shaped spots. It lacks any distinct features like horns, wings or tails. There is no significant difference in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
French cave salamander is a nocturnal, largely solitary amphibian favoring the damp, cool environments of caves. Its courtship behavior is intrinsically tactile, using touches to communicate with potential mates. Primarily a sit-and-wait predator, it feeds predominantly on small invertebrates. Conflict is avoided through haptic mutual recognition amongst males, minimizing territorial disputes.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By andrearivela , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Lungless salamanders Species
French cave salamander