Coeur D'Alene Salamander
ExploreAmphibians
Coeur D'Alene Salamander
plethodon idahoensis
The Coeur d'Alene Salamander is a secretive member of the lungless salamander family, Plethodontidae. Endemic to the damp, rocky landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, particularly northern Idaho, western Montana, and southeastern British Columbia, this tiny amphibian is highly adapted to life in high-humidity microhabitats. Lacking lungs, it breathes entirely through its moist skin, which requires it to stay close to mountain seeps, waterfall splash zones, and damp talus slopes.
Habitat: Inhabits wet talus slopes, waterfall splash zones, and mountain seeps in forested, mountainous terrains.
Appearance
This slender salamander typically measures between 8 and 12 centimeters in total length. It is easily recognized by its dark brown to black body color, sharply contrasted by a striking dorsal stripe that runs from its head to the tip of its tail. This stripe is usually a vibrant yellow, orange, or even a deep red, with wavy or scalloped edges. A distinguishing feature is a bright yellow patch on the throat, which helps differentiate it from other regional salamanders.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusPlethodon
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Because they lack lungs, they must keep their skin constantly moist to breathe; a dry environment is quickly fatal to them.
Their dorsal stripe mimics the colors of toxic species, serving as a warning to potential predators in their rocky environment.
They are highly territorial and will defend their moist rock crevices from other salamanders using posturing and biting.
Special abilities
Ability
Cutaneous Respiration
As a lungless salamander, it absorbs oxygen directly through its moist skin and the lining of its mouth, eliminating the need for lungs.
Ability
Rock-Climbing Agility
Possesses slightly webbed toes and a slender body, allowing it to easily climb vertical, wet rock faces near waterfalls.
Ability
Subterranean Estivation
Retreats deep into fractured rock systems and talus slopes to survive extreme winter cold and dry summer heat.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 8+ cm
- Weight
- 0.002+ kg
- Lifespan
- 8+ years
- Clutch Size
- 4+
- Incubation
- 60+ days
Diet & Feeding
Feeds opportunistically on a variety of small invertebrates found in its damp, rocky habitat, hunting primarily under the cover of darkness.
Age differences: Juveniles consume smaller prey like mites and springtails, transitioning to larger insects as they mature.
Primary Foods
- Springtails
- Small beetles
- Flies
- Spiders
- Snails
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Preys upon this salamander along wet streamside corridors.
eaten by
American Water Shrew
Sorex palustris
Actively hunts salamanders in wet, mossy microhabitats.
hunts
Springtail
Isotoma viridis
Consumes these tiny wingless insects as a primary food source in moist talus.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Coeur D'Alene Salamander?
The easiest way to identify Coeur D'Alene Salamander is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Coeur D'Alene Salamander?
8+ cm
How much does Coeur D'Alene Salamander weigh?
0.002+ kg
How long does Coeur D'Alene Salamander live?
8+ years
What does Coeur D'Alene Salamander eat?
Feeds opportunistically on a variety of small invertebrates found in its damp, rocky habitat, hunting primarily under the cover of darkness.
Where is Coeur D'Alene Salamander usually found?
Inhabits wet talus slopes, waterfall splash zones, and mountain seeps in forested, mountainous terrains.
How does Coeur D'Alene Salamander hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Coeur D'Alene Salamander lay?
4+
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