Urspelerpes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Urspelerpes |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
The patch-nosed salamander (Urspelerpes brucei) is a very special, tiny salamander. It's the only species in its group, called Urspelerpes. These salamanders are unique because they don't have lungs! They breathe through their skin. You can find them living in streams in Georgia and South Carolina in the United States. This little creature was the first new type of amphibian found in the U.S. since 1961!
Contents
About the Patch-Nosed Salamander
This salamander is thought to be related to other brook salamanders. However, a key difference is that the patch-nosed salamander has five toes on its feet. A cool feature is a yellowish patch right on its nose!
Size and Appearance
Urspelerpes salamanders are really tiny. Adult salamanders are only about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. Males and females look a bit different. Males have two dark stripes along their bodies and yellow backs. Females have more plain, muted colors. This is similar to how some birds look.
What They Eat
Like many other salamander species, the patch-nosed salamander eats small bugs. It uses its special tongue to catch prey. Its tongue can shoot out quickly to grab food!
Where They Live
Scientists first described this species in 2009. They found the first salamanders in Stephens County, Georgia, near Toccoa. They also found them in other places in that area. This region is known for having many different kinds of salamanders. The patch-nosed salamander is found only in the United States. It is also the second-smallest salamander in the country.
What's in a Name?
The name Urspelerpes comes from Ancient Greek. "Ur" means "archaic" or "ancient." "Spelerpes" means "cave creeper." So, its name means "ancient cave creeper." The second part of its scientific name, brucei, honors a professor. His name is Richard Bruce, and he taught at Western Carolina University.
