Southern California Slender Salamander
ExploreAmphibians
Southern California Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps major
The Southern California Slender Salamander is a small, slender creature that loves to hide under rocks and leaves. It has smooth skin and is usually brown or gray, helping it blend into its surroundings.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Southern California Slender Salamander is a very slender amphibian with tiny, short limbs and a long tail. It typically has a dark brown or black body, often with a reddish or brownish stripe down its back, sometimes with light speckles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusBatrachoseps
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Instead of tadpoles, tiny perfect salamanders hatch from their eggs!
It can drop its tail if attacked, then regrow a new one!
This salamander spends its entire life on land, rarely needing open water!
Wow, it breathes through its skin and mouth lining, not lungs!
Special abilities
Ability
Grippy Tail
Southern California Slender Salamander has a prehensile tail that helps them climb and secure themselves in tight spaces.
Ability
Sticky Shot
Southern California Slender Salamander can shoot out its sticky tongue to snatch insect prey in a flash.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 7-14 cm
- Weight
- 0.001-0.003 kg
- Lifespan
- 8-15 years
- Clutch Size
- 5-20
Diet & Feeding
Tiny insects and other invertebrates are on this salamander's menu.
Primary Foods
- mites
- springtails
- ants
- small beetles
- spiders
- sowbugs
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Terrestrial Gartersnake
Thamnophis atratus
A common predator in its native range.
hunts
Red-Barbed Ant
Formica rufibarbis
A common ant species that is a key food source.
hunts
Common Woodlouse
Oniscus asellus
This common woodlouse is a regular part of its diet.
eaten by
Ornate Shrew
Sorex ornatus
Small shrews may prey upon unwary salamanders.
shelters
Bracken Fern
Pteridium aquilinum
The fronds and roots provide damp shelter and hiding spots.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a salamander, look but don't touch! They need to stay safe in their homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Southern California Slender Salamander?
7-14 cm
How much does Southern California Slender Salamander weigh?
0.001-0.003 kg
How long does Southern California Slender Salamander live?
8-15 years
What does Southern California Slender Salamander eat?
Tiny insects and other invertebrates are on this salamander's menu.
Where is Southern California Slender Salamander usually found?
Forests
How does Southern California Slender Salamander hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Southern California Slender Salamander lay?
5-20
Snap Map
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