N. maculosus

[jelkins]

Saw my first 'wild' mud puppies while hiking the other week along the Sheltowee Trace in KY. I've seen this species before at various exhibts, but never in the wilds of my state. Supposedly they are very common in Kentucky.

 

[Nathan]

Nice! Any habitat details? Were you flipping rocks or were they just out swimming in the open?

 

[jelkins]

I was flipping rocks and actively looking for them. Limestone/gravel substrate w/ lots of large flat limestone rocks for cover. They were both under individual rocks, were'nt sharing, the first was about 6" long and the second was about 8" long. They were in good condition from what I could tell. Cold water tributary that may go dry during the summer, so they may be moving out of the main river during the winter months?

I was through-hiking the trail, didn't have a camera due to weight considerations otherwise I would have taken pictures to show the crew here.