Seepage Salamander
Desmognathus aeneus One of the state's smallest salamanders, the Seepage Salamander also has one of the smallest ranges in Tennessee, occurring only in the extreme southeastern portion of the state.
Description: This tiny (1.75 to 2.25 inches long) species has a yellowish to reddish-brown wavy, or sometimes straight, stripe going down the back. They often have a dark "Y" behind the head and extending onto the midline of the back either in a line or series of dots; they may also have a light circular patch on the top of each thigh. Some individuals may bear a very faint herringbone pattern upon the back, similar to the Pygmy Salamander.
Similar Species: The Pygmy Salamander's is generally more patterned and the top of the head is rough.
Habitat: As their name implies, Seepage Salamanders live in and around seepage areas. They can also be found near streams in moist or wet leaf litter, under logs and in mats of moss.
Diet: Small invertebrates.
Status in Tennessee: The Seepage Salamander is listed in Tennessee as "In Need of Management".
Fun Facts:
- Along with the Pygmy Salamander, the Seepage Salamander is the smallest in Tennessee
- Seepage Salamanders do not go through an aquatic larval stage. The larva mature inside the egg
Best places to see in Tennessee: Found only the extreme southeastern part of the state.
For more information:
The Salamanders of Tennessee web site
Sources:
Conant, R. and Collins, J. 1998. Peterson Field Guides: Reptiles and Amphibians (Eastern/Central North America). Houghton Mifflin Company, New York. 616pp.
