Three-lined Salamander

About the Three-lined Salamander

The three-lined salamander (Eurycea guttolineata) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to the south-eastern United States. This species was classified as a sub-species of long tailed salamanders until DNA sequencing revealed that there was no hybridization between the two species. Like other Plethodontidae species, E. guttolineata captures prey via tongue projection.

Eurycea guttolineata is a mid-sized, slender stream salamander which ranges from about 10-15.9 cm in its adult form. It is tan to light yellow with three black longitudinal stripes running from the eyes down the length of the body to the tail. They possess 13-14 costal grooves that aid in cutaneous respiration. The tail is very long at approximately two-thirds its total body length. Additionally, the ventrum (belly) of the three-lined salamander is boldly marked with black and white marbling.

Breeding takes place in slow moving bogs and streams. Hatchlings are generally around 10-13 mm and undergo metamorphosis when they are 22-27 mm snout-to-vent length. Metamorphosis starts with the reduction of labial folds, formation of eyelids, and resorption of... Wikipedia →