Eurycea pterophila

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.

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.