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California Slender Salamander

Batrachoseps attenuatus

The California Slender Salamander is a small, slimy creature that loves to hide under rocks and leaves. It has a long body and can be very shy, making it a special little friend in nature.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The California Slender Salamander is a very thin, worm-like amphibian, typically dark brown to black, often with a reddish-brown stripe down its back. It has tiny limbs and a small head, and distinctively features only four toes on its hind feet, making it stand out from most other salamanders.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusBatrachoseps
California Slender Salamander
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgeforest trait badge
California Slender Salamander

Category

Amphibians

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A female slender salamander often curls around her eggs to protect them!

Scientists call them 'worms with legs' due to their extremely thin shape!

They can survive many months without food by slowing down their bodies!

This salamander has NO lungs, breathing entirely through its moist skin!

Special abilities

Ability

Tail Breakaway

California Slender Salamander can drop its tail to escape predators, which helps them get away safely.

Ability

Squeeze Master

California Slender Salamander has a super-slender body that helps them squeeze into tiny cracks and hide from danger.

Ability

Sniff Power

California Slender Salamander has special grooves near its nose that help them 'smell' tiny prey on the ground.

Measurements & details

Length
7-13 cm
Weight
0.001-0.004 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
0.1 km/h
Clutch Size
5-20

Diet & Feeding

They eat tiny insects, mites, and worms found in damp leaf litter and soil.

Primary Foods

  • mites
  • springtails
  • tiny beetles
  • worms
  • small slugs

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

A frequent predator in its forest and garden habitats.

eaten by

Ornate Shrew

Sorex ornatus

Shrews sometimes prey on small, ground-dwelling salamanders.

eaten by

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

Crows can spot and consume salamanders in exposed areas.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch where you step in nature and don't touch wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is California Slender Salamander?

7-13 cm

How much does California Slender Salamander weigh?

0.001-0.004 kg

How long does California Slender Salamander live?

5-10 years

How fast can California Slender Salamander move?

0.1 km/h

What does California Slender Salamander eat?

They eat tiny insects, mites, and worms found in damp leaf litter and soil.

Where is California Slender Salamander usually found?

Forests

How does California Slender Salamander hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does California Slender Salamander lay?

5-20

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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