Black-spotted salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black-spotted salamander |
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The black-spotted salamander (scientific name: Pseudoeurycea nigromaculata) is a special type of salamander. It belongs to the Plethodontidae family. This salamander is found only in Veracruz, Mexico. It lives in specific mountain areas. These include Cerro Chicahuaxtla, which is about 1300 to 1600 meters high. It also lives near Volcán San Martín, at elevations of 1200 to 1300 meters. Scientists think these different groups might actually be separate species.
What it Looks Like
The black-spotted salamander is a medium-sized amphibian. Adult females are about 5 to 6 centimeters long from their snout to their tail base. Their tail is even longer than their body. This means a full-grown salamander can be up to 12 centimeters long in total.
Its body is mostly black, but younger salamanders might be a bit lighter. The tail often has lighter colors. Both the body and tail have distinct black spots. These spots are how the salamander got its name. When female salamanders lay eggs, they can lay between 19 and 25 eggs at a time.
Where it Lives and How We Protect It
The black-spotted salamander is an arboreal species. This means it lives in trees. It especially likes to live inside bromeliad plants. These plants grow on trees in cloud forests. Cloud forests are special forests often covered in mist and clouds.
Sadly, this salamander used to be common but is now very rare. Most of its natural home has been lost or badly damaged. Because of this, the black-spotted salamander is protected by Mexican law. It is listed under a "Special Protection" category. This helps efforts to save this unique creature.
