California
Aneides flavipunctatus  John Kipping, California Academy of Sciences | |
| Type of Animal: | Amphibians |
|---|---|
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Caudata |
| Family: | Plethodontidae |
| Federal Status: | |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Deciduous Forest,Coniferous Forest,Coasts |
| Description: | Black salamanders are almost completely black, but in some areas they may have white or cream speckles. Like other climbing salamanders, they have large jaws that give them the appearance of having triangular shaped heads. Most climbing salamanders have broad, square toes to help them climb trees. Since black salamanders stay on the ground more than they climb, their toes are rounded and are not as broad. These salamanders prefer open wooded habitats near streams. They are often found resting on rocks beneath logs. Female black salamanders are sometimes found guarding their eggs, which are laid underground or in rock crevices. They probably begin breeding in the spring, but some have been found guarding their nesting areas as late as summer. A typical clutch has between 8 and 25 eggs attached by a stalk. |
| 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): | Redding; Ukiah |