ExploreAmphibians

Ensatina

Ensatina eschscholtzii

Ensatinas are colorful little salamanders that live in damp places. They have smooth skin and can be found hiding under rocks or logs in the forest.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Ensatina is a medium-sized salamander with smooth, moist skin, typically reddish-brown or orange, often with dark spots or blotches. It has prominent eyes and a distinctive constriction at the base of its tail, helping it detach easily.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusEnsatina
Ensatina
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Ensatina

Category

Amphibians

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Instead of tadpoles, ensatina eggs hatch directly into tiny, fully formed salamanders!

Some ensatinas perfectly copy toxic newts, tricking predators into thinking they are dangerous!

These salamanders are amazing architects, digging burrows for safety and cool, damp shelter.

They use their tongues like sticky harpoons to snatch up tiny insects and worms for dinner!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Shield

Ensatina has special glands that release a sticky, milky toxin when threatened, making it unappetizing to predators.

Ability

Tail Trickster

Ensatina can detach its tail to distract predators, wiggling after separation to draw attention away from the escape.

Measurements & details

Length
7-15 cm
Weight
0.005-0.02 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
0.05 km/h
Clutch Size
3-25

Diet & Feeding

Ensatinas are small hunters, gobbling up tiny creepy crawlies they find on the forest floor.

Primary Foods

  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Ants
  • Beetles
  • Spiders
  • Worms

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always wash your hands after touching any wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Ensatina?

7-15 cm

How much does Ensatina weigh?

0.005-0.02 kg

How long does Ensatina live?

10-15 years

How fast can Ensatina move?

0.05 km/h

What does Ensatina eat?

Ensatinas are small hunters, gobbling up tiny creepy crawlies they find on the forest floor.

Where is Ensatina usually found?

Forests

How does Ensatina hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Ensatina lay?

3-25

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.

Where to spot

More Amphibians