Arboreal salamander

Alligator Salamander ( Aneides lugubris )

The alligator Salamander ( Aneides lugubris ) is a salamander from the species-rich family of the lung lots Salamander ( Plethodontidae ).

Features

At the top of the squat -looking alligator Salamander has a dark brown color, which is interspersed with small, yellowish bright spots. He should be able to also change its color. The belly is whitish. The species is 15 to 19 inches long. The head is - especially in males - built quite strong, which is accentuated by the well-developed temporal muscles. The hull 15 has side grooves.

Occurrence

This salamander inhabits oak and pine forests in a narrow strip on the west coast of the United States south to the north of the Mexican peninsula of Baja California, and on some Pacific islands upstream. He lives mainly in fall foliage and dead wood on the ground, but is also sociable found in tree hollows. Even in the height of 18 meters Alligator salamander has been observed climbing. In dry periods, the animals retreat into caves and mine shafts.

Reproduction

In late spring or early summer the female lays 5 to 24 eggs in a ground or tree cave and guarded them. It nests were found in nine meters high in oaks. After three to four months to slip the finished salamander. So there is no larval stage instead of in the water.

Behavior

Become Alligator Salamander touched, they can bite hard. The animals enter squealing, mouse -like sound.

Stock

The species is not in acute danger, but goes back to the inventory.