# Cave Salamander (*Eurycea lucifuga*) The Cave Salamander is a small amphibian that lives in dark, damp places like caves. It has a slim body and bright orange or yellow spots on its back. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 16 - **Habitat:** Caves - **Also known as:** Cave Dwelling Salamander, Lucifer Salamander ![Cave Salamander](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424517/objects/5975.jpg) ## Appearance The Cave Salamander is a slender amphibian, typically bright orange or yellow with scattered black spots. It has long limbs and a long tail, often with a reddish tint around its eyes, making it distinct from purely terrestrial salamanders. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Caudata - **Family:** Plethodontidae - **Genus:** Eurycea ## Interesting facts - Baby Cave Salamanders live in water and breathe with feathery external gills. - Did you know some Cave Salamanders have reddish eyes, which helps them see in dim light? - These salamanders are very sensitive to the temperature and purity of their cave homes. - They can regrow lost tails or even entire limbs if they get injured! ## Special abilities - **Dark Hunter:** Cave Salamander can find prey in total darkness because of special sensory cells on its skin that detect subtle vibrations. - **Sticky Climber:** Cave Salamander has specialized toes and a flexible body that helps them climb slick, vertical cave walls with ease. - **Quick Escape:** Cave Salamander can quickly shed its tail when grabbed by a predator, distracting it while the salamander escapes. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 10-20 cm - **Weight:** 0.005-0.015 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-10 years - **Speed:** 1 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 10-80 - **Metamorphosis:** 180-365 days ## Diet & Feeding This salamander is a carnivore, primarily hunting small insects and other invertebrates in its dark, damp habitat. - **Age differences:** Larvae consume smaller aquatic invertebrates, while adults primarily hunt terrestrial insects. - **Primary Foods:** Cave crickets, Spiders, Millipedes, Springtails, Small slugs, Larval insects - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Raccoon](https://www.snappit.app/explore/raccoon) (*Procyon lotor*) — A nocturnal predator that can find salamanders in caves. - **Eaten by:** [Northern Water Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-water-snake) (*Nerodia sipedon*) — An opportunistic snake that preys on amphibians in wet habitats. - **Hunts:** [Fall Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fall-field-cricket) (*Gryllus pennsylvanicus*) — A common cave insect that Cave Salamanders actively hunt. - **Hunts:** [Earthworm](https://www.snappit.app/explore/earthworm) (*Lumbricus terrestris*) — A slow-moving invertebrate often found in damp soil. ## Traits - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Cave Dwelling](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cave-dwelling): Cave dwelling describes organisms specifically adapted to live in underground cave systems, often exhibiting specialized traits due to lack of light. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low If you ever see a Cave Salamander, observe from a distance and never disturb its habitat. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Cave Salamander? Compare body shape, toes, markings, tail and skin texture. Tadpoles and larvae can look nothing like the adults they turn into. Amphibian Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Cave Salamander? 10-20 cm ### How much does Cave Salamander weigh? 0.005-0.015 kg ### How long does Cave Salamander live? 5-10 years ### How fast can Cave Salamander move? 1 km/h ### What does Cave Salamander eat? This salamander is a carnivore, primarily hunting small insects and other invertebrates in its dark, damp habitat. ### Where is Cave Salamander usually found? Caves ### How does Cave Salamander hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Fort Payne Boom Town Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-payne-boom-town-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Market Square](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/market-square) — Tennessee, US · Historic District - [Kentucky Down Under](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kentucky-down-under) — Kentucky, US · Zoo - [Fort Payne Main Street Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-payne-main-street-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Fort Payne Residential Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-payne-residential-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Illinois Caverns State Natural Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/illinois-caverns-state-natural-area) — Illinois, US · State Park [View all places to see Cave Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/cave-salamander) ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Cave Salamander: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cave-salamander)