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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 staff under Salamanders. Article was last reviewed on 30th September 2019.