Eurycea troglodytes

Scientific name. Eurycea troglodytes

Common Name. Valdina Farms Salamander

General information. The Valdina Farms Salamander is an aquatic species found in caves and springs, thought to feed on small aquatic invertebrates, but terrestrial invertebrates have been found in stomachs of transformed individuals.

Protected status. The Valdina Farms Salamander is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender body. Large head with flat forehead. Reduced eyes partially under surface of skin Bright red external gills. Elongated limbs. Four toes on front feet, five on hind feet. Thirteen to seventeen costal grooves.

Coloration. Light gray or cream colored with translucent skin Pale yellow stripes may be present on sides and top of tail.

General distribution. Eurycea troglodytes is only found in Texas.

Texas distribution. Eurycea troglodytes is found only in Medina County, Texas.

Habitat. Strictly aquatic, Eurycea troglodytes is found in underground waters within its range.

Reproduction. Not much is known, though thought to be similar to other Eurycea in central Texas: lay eggs in gravel substrate, juveniles miniature versions of adults.

Size. Eurycea troglodytes grows to an adult size of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 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.