Eurycea sosorum

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).

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.