Brook Salamanders | Herps of Texas

Eurycea chisholmensis

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea chisholmensis

Common Name. Salado Salamander

General information. The Salado Salamander is completely aquatic, found in the vicinity of spring outflows, under rocks or in gravel substrate. Captive animals known to feed on amphipods.

Protected status. The Salado Salamander is listed as a federally threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can not be collected without a federally issued permit.

Diagnostic features. Flat head is long, with blunt and rounded snout. Eyes reduced Reddish-brown external gills. Well-developed tail fins Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Fifteen or sixteen costal grooves.

Coloration. Grayish-brown dorsal ground color with slight cinnamon tinge; a few light flecks may be present across dorsal surface Dorsal pigmentation appears as series of fine reticulations under microscope Sides of body and limbs cream-colored, with sides finely speckled and limbs densely speckled brown Head and face cream-colored with scattered flecks Gold stripe prominent on dorsal part of tail Sides of tail speckled with yellow; ventral tail surface with pale yellow line Ventral surface immaculate (and transparent).

General distribution. The entire distribution of Eurycea chisholmensis is restricted to two springs near Salado (Bell Co.), Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea chisholmensis is known from Big Boiling and Robertson Springs at Salado, Bell County, Texas.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea chisholmensis is found only in two springs in Bell County.

Reproduction. Little is known about reproduction in this species. Juveniles are miniature versions of the adults.

Size. Maximum adult size in Eurycea chisholmensis is around 6 cm (2.25 in) total length.

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Eurycea latitans

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea latitans

Common Name. Cascade Caverns Salamander

General information. The Cascade Caverns Salamander is an obligate aquatic species living in freshwater caves and streams.

Protected status. The Cascade Caverns Salamander is considered a threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state.

Diagnostic features. Stout body and limbs Flattened snout and sloping forehead Eyes beneath surface of skin. External gills. Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Fourteen or fifteen costal grooves.

Coloration. Pale, almost translucent with tan/brown netlike pattern White specks may be present.

General distribution. Eurycea latitans is found only in the subterranean water of Cascade Caverns in Kendall County, Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea latitans is found only in the subterranean water of Cascade Caverns in Kendall County, Texas.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea latitans lives in freshwater cave pools and streams.

Reproduction. Little is known about reproduction in this species. Eggs are likely similar to other Eurycea observed in captivity: eggs laid singly, clutch sizes b/w 20–50.

Size. Maximum adult size in Eurycea latitans is 5-10 cm (2-4 in) total length.

Eurycea nana

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea nana

Common Name. San Marcos Salamander

General information. Little is known. Individuals live in mats of blue-green alga that covers the stream bed and beneath rocks and gravel.

Protected status. The San Marcos Salamander is considered a threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state. Additional protection has been afforded to this species as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the San Marcos salamander to be a federally threatened species.

Diagnostic features. Slender body and limbs with a finned tail. Small eyes with dark rings around them. Light-colored external gills. Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Sixteen or seventeen costal grooves.

Coloration. Light brown with small yellow spots arranged in a row down each side of the back. Pale yellow, translucent ventral surface.

General distribution. Eurycea nana is only found in Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Eurycea nana is restricted to Hays County.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea nana may be seen among algae in the spring-fed pool at head of the San Marcos River.

Reproduction. Little has been published on reproduction. In captivity, eggs deposited singly on moss and filamentous algae (and on rocks and glass marbles). Clutch sizes averaged 33 eggs.

Size. Eurycea nana reach an adult size of 3-5 cm (1.5-2 in) total length.

Eurycea naufragia

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea naufragia

Common Name. Georgetown Salamander

General information. The Georgetown Salamander is completely aquatic, found in the vicinity of spring outflows, under rocks or in gravel substrate.

Protected status. The Georgetown Salamander is listed as a federally threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can not be collected without a federally issued permit.

Diagnostic features. Broad but short head with large eyes Deep red external gills. Weakly developed tail fin Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Fourteen to sixteen costal grooves.

Coloration. Gray dorsal ground color with light brown streak along midline, from head to base of tail Dark pigment scattered across body, forming a netlike pattern Pigment also present on palms of feet and lower jaw. Ventral surface immaculate (and transparent) Golden-yellow tail with some mottled pigment May be 1-3 rows of iridiophores on lateral surface.

General distribution. The entire distribution of Eurycea naufragia is restricted to springs and one cave in Williamson County, Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea naufragia is known from springs associated with the drainages of the south, middle , and north forks of the San Gabriel River near Georgetown (Williamson County), Texas.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea naufragia is found only in a handful of springs of Williamson County.

Reproduction. Unknown. Juveniles are miniature versions of the adults.

Size. Maximum adult size in Eurycea naufragia is around 6 cm (2.25 in) total length.

Eurycea neotenes

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea neotenes

Common Name. Texas Salamander

General information. Eurycea neotenes remains under rocks and among the rock cobbles at the bottom of stream beds.

Protected status. The Texas Salamander is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender body with short limbs. Bright red external gills. Finned tail. Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet Fifteen to seventeen costal grooves.

Coloration. Light brown to yellow with brown mottling. Two rows of lighter flecks on each side of body Dark bar from eye to nostril Pale cream-colored, translucent ventral surface.

General distribution. Eurycea neotenes is restricted to central Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea neotenes is only found along the Balcones Escarpment from Comal County to Val Verde County.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea neotenes is found in subterranean streams and creek headwaters.

Reproduction. Little is known about reproduction in this species. One courtship sequence recorded in the lab took almost three hours from start to finish. Gravid females have been collected in the spring and early summer.

Size. Eurycea neotenes grows to adult lengths of 5-10 cm (2-4 in) total length.

Eurycea paludicola

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea paludicola

Common Name. Dwarf Salamander

General information. Eurycea paludicola remains under vegetative cover most of the time.

Protected status. The Dwarf Salamander is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender body and tail. Small head with large, protruding eyes. No external gills. Relatively long tail (as much as 1 1/2 times the head-body length). Four toes on ALL feet. Fourteen to seventeen costal grooves.

Coloration. Yellow-brown with dark stripes down each side of the back extending onto tail, though color and pattern can vary widely.

General distribution. In North America, Eurycea paludicola is found in the Coastal Plains states from North Carolina to Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Eurycea paludicola is found throughout east Texas.

Habitat. Eurycea paludicola prefers moist, debris-covered areas and swampy areas in pine woods.

Reproduction. Breeding in Eurycea paludicola occurs in the fall months. Females lay 12-48 eggs and attach them singly or in small clutches to submerged debris in shallow water.

Size. Eurycea paludicola can grow to an adult size of 5-9 cm (2-3.5 in) total length.

Eurycea pterophila

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea pterophila

Common Name. Fern Bank Salamander

General information. NA

Protected status. The Fern Bank Salamander is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender body with short limbs. Reddish-brown external gills. Tail with fin. Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet Sixteen costal grooves.

Coloration. Mottled brown and yellow dorsal body color; ventral surface of body and chin pale yellow. Tail fin bordered by dull orange stripe

General distribution. Eurycea pterophila is restricted to central Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Eurycea pterophila is found in Blanco and Hays counties.

Habitat. The Fern Bank Salamander is found in springs and seeps within the Blanco River drainage

Reproduction. Thought to deposit eggs in gravel substrates. Juveniles are miniature versions of adults

Size. Eurycea pterophila grows to adult lengths of 3.0-3.6 cm (1.2-1.4 in) total length.

Eurycea rathbuni

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea rathbuni

Common Name. Texas Blind Salamander

General information. Eurycea rathbuni feeds on a variety of invertebrates, including shrimp, snails, and amphipods.

Protected status. The Texas Blind Salamander is considered an endangered species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state. Additional protection has been afforded to this species as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the Texas blind salamander to be a federally endangered species.

Diagnostic features. Large head with flattened snout. Reduced, vestigial eyes beneath the surface of the skin. Bright red external gills. Thin, elongate limbs; four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Finned tail tapering at tip. Twelve costal grooves

Coloration. White to pale pink with translucent skin.

General distribution. Eurycea rathbuni is restricted to two counties in Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea rathbuni is found only in the Balcones Escarpment near San Marcos, Hays County.

Habitat. Eurycea rathbuni is found in the subterranean streams of the Purgatory Creek system, and is only found above ground when water flow brings it to the surface.

Reproduction. Little is known for Eurycea rathbuni, except that gravid females can be observed throughout the year.

Size. Adult Eurycea rathbuni can measure between 9-13.5 cm (3.5-5.5 in) total length.

Eurycea robusta

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea robusta

Common Name. Blanco Blind Salamander

General information. Unknown. Only a single specimen flushed from the aquifer has ever been collected.

Protected status. The Blanco Blind Salamander is listed as a threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state.

Diagnostic features. Large head with flattened snout. Reduced, vestigial eyes beneath the surface of the skin. Bright red external gills. Thin, elongate limbs; four toes on front feet, five on hind feet Finned tail tapering at tip. Twelve costal grooves.

Coloration. White to pale pink with translucent skin

General distribution. Eurycea robusta is restricted to Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea robusta has been found only in the Balcones Aquifer near the Blanco River in Hays County, Texas.

Habitat. Because Eurycea robusta was only seen once while drilling in a streambed, it is guessed that this salamander species inhabits subterranean streams.

Reproduction. Unknown.

Size. The only known specimen of Eurycea robusta measured 10 cm (4 in) total length.

Eurycea sosorum

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea sosorum

Common Name. Barton Springs Salamander

General information. Eurycea sosorum feeds on amphipods, earthworms, and brine shrimp. It is thought to be mostly a surface dweller, but it is able to live underground.

Protected status. The Barton Springs Salamander is considered an endangered species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state. Additional protection has been afforded to this species as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the Barton Springs salamander to be a federally endangered species.

Diagnostic features. Slender body with flattened snout. Three pair bright red external gills. Elongated limbs Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Fifteen costal grooves.

Coloration. Yellowish-cream ground color with olive brown mottling Relatively short, finned tail with narrow orange-yellow stripe. Creamy, translucent ventral surface.

General distribution. Eurycea sosorum is restricted to Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea sosorum is found only in the Barton Springs pool area in Austin, Texas.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea sosorum may be found among rubble in the spring outflow at Barton Springs.

Reproduction. Little is known for Eurycea sosorum, but recently hatched young have been found in the months of November, March, and April.

Size. Eurycea sosorum reaches maximum adult total length between 2-4 cm (1-1.5 in).

Eurycea tonkawae

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea tonkawae

Common Name. Jollyville Plateau Salamander

General information. The Jollyville Plateau Salamander is found only in the vicinity of spring outflows, either under rocks or in gravel substrates. Abundance is positively correlated with suitable areas of cobble, but negatively correlated with urbanization. Feeds on small invertebrates such as copepods and ostracods.

Protected status. The Jollyville Plateau Salamander is listed as a federally threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can not be collected without a federally issued permit.

Diagnostic features. Broad head with blunt and rounded snout. Well-developed eyes Deeply red external gills. Well-developed tail fins Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Fourteen to sixteen costal grooves.

Coloration. Dark greenish-brown dorsal ground color Light brown streak along midline, beginning from diamond-shaped blotch on head to base of tail Head and face yellow Ventral surface immaculate (and transparent) Tail and dorsal tail fin yellow-orange with some mottled pigment In some animals, 1-3 rows of iridiophores on lateral surface.

General distribution. The entire distribution of Eurycea tonkawae is restricted to the springs and caves of northern Travis and southern Williamson Counties, Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea tonkawae can only be found in certain springs and caves of northern Travis and southern Williamson Counties, Texas.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea tonkawae is found springs and caves of Travis and Williamson Counties.

Reproduction. Little is known about reproduction in this species. Juveniles are miniature versions of the adults.

Size. Maximum adult size in Eurycea tonkawae is around 6 cm (2.25 in) total length.

Eurycea tridentifera

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea tridentifera

Common Name. Comal Blind Salamander

General information. The Comal Blind Salamander is strictly aquatic and is found in the underground waters of limestone caves. Likely feeds on small aquatic invertebrates. Some researches hypothesize they may eat bat guano and insects parts within the guano.

Protected status. The Comal Blind Salamander is considered a threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state.

Diagnostic features. Slender body Large head with sloping forehead and flattened snout. Reduced eyes under surface of skin. Bright red external gills. Elongated limbs and finned tail. Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Eleven or twelve costal grooves.

Coloration. White or yellowish with translucent skin.

General distribution. Eurycea tridentifera is only found in Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea tridentifera is found only in Bexar and Comal Counties of Texas.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea tridentifera is found in the underground waters of limestone caves.

Reproduction. Little is known for Eurycea tridentifera, other than seven to eighteen eggs are laid.

Size. Eurycea tridentifera can grow to a maximum adult size of 8.5 cm (3.4 in) total length.

Eurycea troglodytes

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea troglodytes

Common Name. Valdina Farms Salamander

General information. The Valdina Farms Salamander is an aquatic species found in caves and springs, thought to feed on small aquatic invertebrates, but terrestrial invertebrates have been found in stomachs of transformed individuals.

Protected status. The Valdina Farms Salamander is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender body. Large head with flat forehead. Reduced eyes partially under surface of skin Bright red external gills. Elongated limbs. Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Thirteen to seventeen costal grooves.

Coloration. Light gray or cream colored with translucent skin Pale yellow stripes may be present on sides and top of tail.

General distribution. Eurycea troglodytes is only found in Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea troglodytes is found only in Medina County, Texas.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea troglodytes is found in underground waters within its range.

Reproduction. Not much is known, though thought to be similar to other Eurycea in central Texas: lay eggs in gravel substrate, juveniles miniature versions of adults.

Size. Eurycea troglodytes grows to an adult size of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 in) total length.

Eurycea waterlooensis

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eurycea waterlooensis

Common Name. Austin Blind Salamander

General information. Little is known from wild populations. Obligately aquatic, lives in the aquifer. A majority of observations occur November to January. An adult flushed from the aquifer defecated remains of amphipods, copepods, ostracods, and plant material.

Protected status. The Austin Blind Salamander is listed as a federally endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can not be collected without a federally issued permit.

Diagnostic features. Snout elongate and flattened Body flattened ventrally External eyes absent External gills. Weakly developed tail fins Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Twelve costal grooves.

Coloration. Pearly white luster dorsally with light distribution of pigment across entire dorsal surface Ventral surface white and unpigmented.

General distribution. Eurycea waterlooensis is found only in the outlets of Barton Springs in Travis County, Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea waterlooensis is found only at three of the four outlets of Barton Springs (Parthenia, Eliza, and Sunken Gardens Springs) in Travis County, Texas.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea waterlooensis likely spends most of its life underground in the subterranean cavities of the Edwards Aquifer.

Reproduction. Unknown. Individuals raised in captivity from juveniles to adults in eight months.

Size. Maximum adult size in Eurycea waterlooensis is 6-7 cm (2-3 in) total length.