threelined salamander (Eurycea guttolineata)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARACTERISTICS: This is a large salamander that reaches lengths

of 10-18 cm. It has a black stripe down the middle of the back that is
bordered by yellow-orange to yellow-brown bands. There is another
dark brown to black stripe along the side. The belly is mottled with
green-gray and white blotches. The sides of tail have vertical black
bars that may merge into a wavy band. Breeding occurs in standing
water habitats, often spring-fed, in late fall and early winter. Females
apparently deposit eggs in underground cavities in or near streams or
seeps, as the eggs are rarely found.

 

DISTRIBUTION: This species occurs in the Coastal plain and Piedmont
regions, generally at elevations below 800 meters. It is most abundant in

floodplain forests, or under logs and rocks along streams, ditches, vernal

ponds, and seeps.

 

FOODS: The larvae eat small invertebrates in the vernal ponds, streams,
and ditches in which they live. Adults eat terrestrial insects, worms,
snails, and other small invertebrates.

 

 

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