Plethodon
idahoensis
(Coeur
d'Alene Salamander)
Key Characteristics:
Adult Characteristics |
Larval Characteristics |
Egg Characterisitcs |
Terrestrial |
||
. | ||
Parotoid glands |
. |
Attached via single thread |
Parasphenoid teeth |
. |
Unpigmented |
General
Description:
Coeur d' Alene
Salamanders are small, slender salamanders
attaining lengths of around 100mm (4 in.). They have a grayish-black
ground color with light colored speckles. The dorsal stripe has uneven
edges and is a yellow or gold color. The ventral coloration is also
dark with the exception of a yellow
patch on the throat. This helps distinguish it from the Long-toed
Salamander, which lacks this patch. Other features of this species that
aid in distinguishing it from Long-toed Salamanders are the slender body form,
short toes and nasolabial
grooves.
The larvae of this species develop within the egg and consequently there are no free-living forms. The eggs are small, unpigmented, and are laid in a grape-like cluster. The egg cluster is attached to the underside of a rock or log via a single thread.
Idaho
Distribution:
In Idaho
the Coeur d'Alene Salamander is found in the northern part of the state.
Habitat:
Found in 3 major types of
habitat: springs or seepages; spray zones of waterfalls; and edges
of streams. Often associated with fractured rock formations.
These salamanders are generally found in moist talus, seeps and splash zones, which may be situated in open forests, meadows or riparian areas. Couer d'Alene Salamander eggs are deposited terrestrially, and can be found in similar habitat under rocks or logs.
Diet:
Feeds on aquatic insects.
Ecology:
In northern Idaho, emerges from
winter hibernation
in late March and is active near surface through April and May. Retreats underground
to aestivate (except near seepages and waterfalls) from June to mid-September,
becomes active again with September through early November rains, then hibernates
until March. Surface activity is negatively correlated with high daytime temperature
and number of days since last rain.
Reproduction:
Mating occurs in late summer
and fall, and occasionally in spring. Females store sperm up to 9 months before
fertilizing eggs. Average of 6 eggs are laid in April-May. Young emerge from
underground in September. Individuals first breed in fourth and fifth years.
In Idaho, females have biennial
reproductive cycles.
Conservation:
Status: |
Unprotected nongame species |
Global Rank: |
|
State Rank: |
S3 |
Important
State References:
Cassirer, E.F., C.R. Groves,
and D. Genter.1993. Sensitive species management guide for the Coeur dAlene
salamander. Idaho Dept. Fish & Game, Boise, and the Montana Natural Heritage
Program, Helena. 38pp.