California
Batrachoseps nigriventris  Jim Hendel | |
| Type of Animal: | Amphibians |
|---|---|
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Caudata |
| Family: | Plethodontidae |
| Federal Status: | |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Oak Woodland,Coniferous Forest,Streams,Grassland |
| Description: | Black-bellied slender salamanders are active year-round and are commonly found in the southern California Sierra Nevada ranges. They stay below ground or under cover during the hot, dry season and become active above ground after the first rains. The coastal populations are active the longest, usually staying above ground for nine months of the year. These salamanders do not dig their own burrows, and instead occupy abandoned burrows of other animals. They are also commonly found under objects such as logs, rocks, and leaf litter. They forage above ground, under cover, and below ground. The diet of black-bellied slender salamanders includes worms, slugs, arthropods, and a variety of insects. Reproduction occurs from November to March. Females lay between 4 and 21 eggs in small underground burrows, and sometimes under rocks or fallen logs. The eggs hatch during the winter and spring months. Common predators of black-bellied slender salamanders include skunks, raccoons, snakes, foxes, and various rodents. |
| Effort: | |
| References: | Behler et al. 1979. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians. Stebbins 1985. Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition. Zeiner et al. (editors). 1988. California’s Wildlife, Volume I, Amphibians and Reptiles. |
| Other Sites: | |
| Field Office(s): | Bakersfield |