Texas blind salamander

Texan wells Newt ( Eurycea rathbuni )

The Texan wells Newt ( Eurycea rathbuni ), also called Rathbunscher Well Newt, only in the U.S. state of Texas occurring, blind cave dwellers from the family of lung lots salamander ( Plethodontidae ). In appearance and way of life, he recalls the European cave salamander. The specific epithet honors the American marine biologist Richard Rathbun ( 1852-1918 ).

Features

The 8 to 13.5 inches long salamander characterizes an elongated and flat head with spatulate snout. The narrow, long limbs end in front and four behind in five toes. The tail is compressed laterally, tapering to the end. The hull is segmented by 12 constrictions ( Rippenwulste ). The white skin has almost no pigment, the eyes are now only rudimentary under the skin. The bright red gills reserves the animal his life (compare: neoteny ).

Occurrence of life

The Texan wells newt lives aquatil only in the cave waters of the " Edwards Aquifer " in San Marcos in Hays County Texas, especially in the so -called " San Marcos pool ".

Search for food, the head is on the body of water moves back and forth to prey on snails, crabs and other invertebrates tactile.

Reproduction

The Texan wells pig propagates throughout the year continued on. The female stimulates the male to mate by rubbing it with his chin on the back of the male. Bring this behavior, the male is not in pairing mood turns to the female methods such as scratching, nibbling or hitting with the tail. The male places the spermatophore on a stone and the female takes her to his cloaca on.

Endangering

Due to the extremely limited distribution area, this species is considered endangered. The Texan wells pig requires the clean, cold waters of the Edwards aquifer. The pollution and over-exploitation of water reserves by the growth of settlements in this area pose a threat to the survival of the species dar.