Coastal Plain Dwarf Salamander

Eurycea quadridigitata

Description

Formerly a member of the Eurycea quadridigitata complex, recently split based on genetic analyses (Wray et al., 2017). This species is prevalent in coastal South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, and likely exists in coastal Alabama and Mississippi, but further sampling is needed (Wray et al., 2017). No clear morphological characters have been determined to identify the newly described species. This species likely only occurs in a narrow range that hugs the coast of MS. It can be found in woodlands, lowland swamps, flatwoods, and streamsides along the southeast coastal plain. Members of this complex are identified with the noting of four toes on each limb. Patterning is minimal, and may include spots, lines, and speckling. They are usually yellow-orange, gold, brown, or gray throughout the body. May have y-shape between eyes.

Adult E. quadridigitata, © Kevin Hutcheson

Identifying Traits

  • Four toes on each limb
  • Range and habitat may aid in species identification
  • Further genetic work needed to determine localities of Mississippi

Range: No verifiable records, warrant for future research.

Habitat

Can be found in woodlands, lowland swamps, flatwoods, and streamsides in the Gulf and Atlantic coastal plains

Behavior

Can take shelter under rocks and logs

Diet

Various small invertebrates

E. quadridigitata, Florida Panhandle, © Tyler Brock
E. quadridigitata, Florida Panhandle, © Tyler Brock