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Speckled Black Salamander

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4 replies
Posted by Mike Hall on May 25, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Speckled Black Salamander
One website says that there are about 500 types of salamanders. I'm just curious which one I found. I'm guessing Speckled Black Salamander. This is from Alum Cove today just before another burst of rain. The salamander crawled up the side of a rock just begging to be photographed.

And yes, the trail is in horrible shape. Everything below the natural bridge is untouched since the ice storm. Karla and I spent most of the time off the trail because the trail is blocked in several places.


Nikon 105mm micro- slight crop
Posted by Mike Hall on May 25, 2009 at 6:38 PM
How about snails? I don't see too many live snails in the Ozarks. Anyone know what kind this is? This is at Alum Cove.

I know the shell is out of focus. It came a downpour as I was taking this photo and only had about five seconds to capture a few images and start packing the gear up as fast as I could go.
Full frame with 105mm micro- Cloned out some objects.
Posted by Daniel Loomis on May 25, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Very intriguing closeups. Not the sort of creatures we see every day, but very important to the natural order. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Tim Ferrell on May 25, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Western Slimy Salamander (Plethodon albagula) I believe. I'm pretty sure its not a Speckled Black Salamander.
Posted by Mike Hall on May 25, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Tim, I think you are correct. Google the Western Slimy Salamander and it's home range is our area (Arkansas). The Spotted has a home range of California. They sure do look alike to me. They are nocturnal, but this one was out in the open about noon. Thanks for the info!