Eurycea tonkawae

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.

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.