Eurycea latitans

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.

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.