Lesser Siren (Siren intermedia)

Description: The sirens are considered among the most primitive living salamanders. All species lack hind limbs and retain external gills throughout life. The lesser siren is generally olive to black in color, with a drab appearance, conspicuous, red-tinted gills, and four toes on each forelimb. Adults typically reach under 2 ft (60 cm) in total length, distinguishing them from the greater siren (Siren lacertina), which can exceed 3 ft (90 cm). Counting costal grooves (the external grooves along the sides between the forelimbs and vent) provides a reliable distinction: the lesser siren usually has fewer than 35, whereas the greater siren has more than 36.

Range & Habitat: Lesser sirens inhabit the Coastal Plain of South Carolina and Georgia, where they are common in Carolina bays, ditches, lakes, ponds, and sluggish streams.

Habits: Sirens are fully aquatic and rarely leave the water. Their weak forelimbs and complete absence of hind limbs make overland travel nearly impossible. However, when wetlands dry, they survive by burrowing into the substrate and forming a protective cocoon, allowing them to aestivate for more than a year until water returns. Reproduction typically occurs in spring, with sexual maturity reached in 2–3 years.

Diet: Like amphiumas, sirens are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates and small vertebrates.