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Grotto Salamander

Grotto salamander is a species of lungless salamander belonging to the family Plethodontidae, found only in the United States. It is a cave-dwelling salamander spending the entire life in caves. It is the only cave salamander which undergoes metamorphosis.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Amphibia
    Order Caudata
    Family Plethodontidae
    Genus Eurycea
    Scientific Name Eurycea spelaea


    Other Names Ozark blind salamander
    Size Up to 13.5 cm
    Color Flesh colored with a bit of orange
    Distribution Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma (United States)
    Habitat Freshwater springs, inland karsts, and caves
    Diet Small, cave-dwelling invertebrates; also feed on guano
    Breeding Season Spring and summer
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Metamorphosis Period 2 to 3 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

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    Published on May 4th 2017 by under Salamanders. Article was last reviewed on 30th September 2019.

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