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Description: Most members of Genus Eurycea are
yellowish, at least ventrally. Eurycea wilderae is no exception.
A fairly small salamander - Snout-vent length 2.75 - 3
in (7-10.7 cm) -- that is distinguished from other salamanders
within its range by its striking yellow or orange body and
broad dark stripes. It closely resembles the southern two-lined
salamander (Eurycea cirrigera) and is best distinguished
by range and greater saturation of yellow or orange color and
pattern. Males have longer legs than females, a mental gland,
and nostril projections (cirri) during the mating season.
Range and Habitat: This species is found in rocky seeps,
rills, brooks, and streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains, primarily
in North Carolina and Tennessee. In our region it is only found
in the mountains of extreme northern Georgia and northwestern
South Carolina.
Habits: Two-Lined Salamanders are often found hiding under
rocks, leaf packs and other organic debris along streams, above
and below water. These salamanders also frequently venture into
warm, wet forests. Their larvae are aquatic.
Conservation Status: E. wilderae is listed as Least
Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. It is not listed in CITES.
This species is considered to be locally abundant and stable with
few threats, except habitat destruction.
Pertinent References:
Petranka, J.W. 1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada.
Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, D.C.
Petranka , J.W., M.E. Eldridge, and K.E. Haley. 1993. Effects
of timber harvesting on southern Appalachian salamanders. Conservation
Biology 7:363-370.
Account Author: Chad A. Jennison, University of Georgia
- edited by J.D. Willson
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