Cave Salamander
Eurycea lucifuga
Silhouette: Andy Wilson · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAmphibia (Amphibians)
- OrderCaudata (Salamanders)
- FamilyPlethodontidae (Lungless Salamanders)
- GenusEurycea (Brook Salamanders)
- SpeciesEurycea lucifuga (Cave Salamander)
About the Cave Salamander
The cave salamander or spotted-tail salamander (Eurycea lucifuga) is a species of brook salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is well known for living in and around caves in the southeast United States. Adult cave salamanders are bright orange with black spots. This species is, somewhat vaguely, referred to by the common name of 'cave salamander'; however, it is not restricted to caves, but is known for inhabiting surface-level, terrestrial, woodland habitats, as well.
The cave salamander is a relatively large lungless salamander, ranging in total length from 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in). The tail makes up a significant proportion of the total length, up to 60–65%. Post-metamorphic individuals have orange to reddish orange backs and a pale, unmarked ventral surface. The dorsal surface of the body is heavily marked with irregularly spaced spots and dashes. The limbs of the cave salamander are long. There are 14–15 costal grooves on the side of the body. This species has a prehensile tail.
The name 'cave salamander' can be confusing because the term is also used more generally to describe cave-dwelling salamanders. Despite its name, the cave... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Cave Salamander in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Cave Salamander in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Cave Salamander sighting in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, based on 9 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Cave Salamander in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
September has the highest sighting rate for Cave Salamander in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in our monthly data.