ExploreAmphibians

Dark-sided salamander

Eurycea melanopleura

The Dark-sided Salamander is a small, slender creature that loves to hide under rocks and logs. Its dark color helps it blend into the forest floor, making it a little ninja of the woods!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Dark-sided salamander has a slender body with prominent costal grooves and a dark, broad stripe running along each side, contrasting with its yellowish or orange belly. Its back is typically mottled brown or gray, making it blend well with stream beds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusEurycea
Dark-sided salamander
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgeambush_predator trait badge
Dark-sided salamander

Category

Amphibians

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Some salamanders, including this type, can glow under a special UV light!

The presence of these salamanders often indicates a very healthy, clean stream environment!

They often lay their tiny eggs under rocks or logs submerged in streams!

They use a 'lateral line' system to feel water vibrations, helping them hunt prey!

Special abilities

Ability

Tail Escape

Dark-sided salamander can detach its tail to distract predators, which helps them escape danger and live another day.

Ability

Hidden Hunter

Dark-sided salamander has dark stripes that help them blend into their stream habitats, making them hard to spot by predators.

Ability

Body Fixer

Dark-sided salamander can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their jaws, which helps them recover from injuries.

Measurements & details

Length
7-12 cm
Weight
0.003-0.01 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Clutch Size
20-100
Metamorphosis
60-180 days

Diet & Feeding

They love munching on tiny insects, worms, and other small critters found near streams.

Primary Foods

  • Midge larvae
  • Caddisfly larvae
  • Springtails
  • Amphipods
  • Small worms

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Freshwater Scud

Hyalella azteca

Feeds on these tiny crustaceans in streams.

hunts

Midge larvae

Chironomus plumosus

A significant part of their varied stream diet.

eaten by

Queensnake

Regina septemvittata

A common predator specializing in aquatic prey.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a salamander, remember to look but not touch. They need to stay safe in their homes!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Dark-sided salamander?

7-12 cm

How much does Dark-sided salamander weigh?

0.003-0.01 kg

How long does Dark-sided salamander live?

5-10 years

What does Dark-sided salamander eat?

They love munching on tiny insects, worms, and other small critters found near streams.

Where is Dark-sided salamander usually found?

Forests

How does Dark-sided salamander hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Dark-sided salamander lay?

20-100

How long does Dark-sided salamander take to complete metamorphosis?

60-180 days

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Amphibians