Southern Two-lined Salamander

Overview:

Scientific Name: Eurycea cirrigera
Size: 2.5 – 3.75”
Status: A recently identified inhabitant of Michigan; current status and distribution within the state unknown. Further study warranted.

 

Habitat:

Found near rocky brooks, spring seeps, and spring fed streams in moist forests

Adult Coloration:

Yellow or tan with two dark stripes from eyes to tail. Black spots present between stripes. Belly solid yellow.

Adult Characteristics:

Slender salamander with small short legs and a long rounded tail.Nasolabial grooves (groove from nostril to corner of mouth). During breeding season, males will have extended nasolabial grooves that form cirri (downward projections) from the upper lip. 14 costal grooves between limbs (grooves between rib-like ridges that run down the sides of the body).

Larvae Characteristics:

Slender with low tail fin and long gills. Back with paired light spots and a central pale stripe.

Species Confused With:

Unlikely to be confused with other Plethodontids (Red-backed Salamander and Four-toed Salamander) due to distinct pale yellow coloration.

References:

• Illinois Natural History Survey (www.inhs.illinois.edu)
• Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region by Jim Harding
• Harding, J.H. and J.A. Holman. 1992. Michigan Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders. MSU Cooperative Extension Service and MSU Museum. Extension Bull. E-2350, 144 pp.
• Ruthven, A. G., H. B. T. Gaige, et al. 1912. The herpetology of Michigan, by Alexander B. Ruthven. Crystal Thompson and Helen Thompson; Memoranda towards a bibliography of the archaeology of Michigan, by Harlan I. Smith; prepared under the direction of Alexander G. Ruthven. Lansing, Mich., Wynkoop Hallenbeck Crawford, State Printers.
• Holman, J. A. 2012. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Michigan: A Quaternary and Recent Faunal Adventure. Detroit, Mich., Wayne State University Press.
• Conant, R., and Collins, J. T. 1998. Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern, Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Press.