Channel Islands Slender Salamander

About the Channel Islands Slender Salamander

The Channel Islands slender salamander (Batrachoseps pacificus) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. Due to cool and foggy conditions on the islands where it lives, it is one of the only slender salamanders in California that can be active year-round.

The Channel Islands slender salamander, like all slender salamanders, has short limbs, a narrow head, a lean body, and an especially elongated tail, as well as four toes on its feet. However, it has a more robust appearance than other slender salamanders due to its longer legs. Adults are 4.2 - 7 centimeters long (1.67 - 2.75 in) from snout to vent. Dorsal surface coloration ranges from brown to pinkish, with a prominent dorsal stripe made up of light speckles. The throat and underside of the tail are pale, while the abdomen appears whitish or slate with light and dark speckling. Its rib connections are indicated by a series of 18-20 costal grooves, which are clearly visible along with its end of torso grooves.

When disturbed, this salamander may coil up and remain motionless, relying on camouflage. Alternatively, it can rapidly uncoil and bounce away while detaching its... Wikipedia →