Eurycea robusta

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.

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.