Southern torrent salamander
Species of amphibian / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The southern torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton variegatus) is a member of the salamander family Rhyacotritonidae. This species of torrent salamander is found the farthest south in the Pacific Northwest region. It is a small salamander endemic to the region from Northern California to Northern Oregon. It is one of four species of Rhyacotriton, along with R. cascadae, R. kezeri and R. olympicus. All species of Rhyacotriton are small, with their body lengths being less than 5 inches. The species reproduces annually, with an extended courtship and egg-laying period.[2] The time it takes from oviposition to reach sexual maturity ranges from five to eight years, making the generation interval rather long.[2] The larval stage, from hatching to metamorphosis, lasts 2.0-2.5 yr, with females requiring another 1.5–2.0 yr until they can first breed.[2] They reach sexual maturity 1.0-1.5 yr after metamorphosis which occurs between 4.5 and 5.0 yr. This species feeds on small insects and spiders. Although it is found over a large area, it is not a migratory creature. It is preyed on by Pacific giant salamanders and garter snakes.
Southern torrent salamander | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Urodela |
Family: | Rhyacotritonidae |
Genus: | Rhyacotriton |
Species: | R. variegatus |
Binomial name | |
Rhyacotriton variegatus Stebbins & Lowe, 1951 | |