| Urspelerpes brucei | |||||||||
| Patch-nosed Salamander | |||||||||
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| Male U. brucei. |
This species is evolutionarily most closely related to the Eurycea and appears to be relatively scarce. Its known range is small, having been identified in only a few counties in the U.S. There is sexual dimorphism in coloration and pattern but not in size. Adult males have a yellow dorsum with two darker color dorsolateral stripes, proportionately large nasal cirri, and a round mental gland. Adult females have a more muted coloration and either lack or have vestigial nasal cirri. Adults have a characteristic yellowish patch on their snout. With an average length of only 25-26mm (~1 inch) an adult Urspelerpes could coil comfortably on a quarter. While other miniaturized salamanders often have four toes, Urspelerpes has five.
 Female U. brucei. |
 Female U. brucei, startled, in defensive posture. |
 Male U. brucei. |
 Gravid female U. brucei. |
 Female U. brucei with 18-mm coin. |
References
Camp, C. D. et al (2009). "A new genus and species of lungless salamander (family Plethodontidae) from the Appalachian highlands of the south-eastern United States". Journal of Zoology 279: 1-9.
©Caudata Culture. Written by Janice Williams, May 2012.