Seal salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seal salamander |
|
|---|---|
.JPG) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Desmognathus
|
| Species: |
monticola
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The seal salamander (Desmognathus monticola) is a cool type of salamander that lives in the Eastern United States. It's called a "lungless salamander" because it breathes through its skin and the lining of its mouth, not with lungs like humans!
Contents
Where Seal Salamanders Live
The seal salamander makes its home in the Appalachian Mountains. You can find them in many states, from southwestern Pennsylvania all the way south to central Alabama. They also live in parts of West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Sometimes, you might find small groups of them in other places. For example, there are some seal salamanders living in southern Alabama and even in the very western part of Florida. There's also a group that was brought to Benton County, Arkansas.
Their Favorite Homes
Seal salamanders love places with water. They often live in rocky mountain streams. You can also find them in brooks that are fed by springs in forests. They like muddy parts of streams and wet, seepy areas too.
These salamanders need a damp environment to survive. Remember, they breathe through their skin! Scientists believe there are more than 100,000 adult seal salamanders in the wild.
What's in a Name?
The name Desmognathus monticola might sound complicated, but it tells us a lot about this salamander!
The Genus Name: Desmognathus
The first part, Desmognathus, comes from ancient Greek words.
This name refers to a special bundle of tissues that connects to the jaw in this group of salamanders.
The Species Name: monticola
The second part, monticola, comes from Latin. It means "mountaineer" or "highlander". This is a perfect name because these salamanders are often found in high-up places in the mountains!
