*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: No subspecies recognized.
Adult Description: Small, slender salamander (maximum 3.5”) with a broad band of yellow, tan, bronze, or reddish coloration on top extending to tail tip, often brighter towards posterior half of individual. This broad band of color is bordered on upper sides by a black stripe from head to near tail tip. A thin, sometimes broken, dark stripe or series of spots occurs down middle of band. Sides are dark gray with profuse pale spots and flecks, sometimes in higher total coverage than dark color. Tail becomes more laterally compressed towards tip. 14–17 costal grooves. Four toes on hindlimbs can help differentiate them from Southern Two-lined Salamanders, which have five. Belly somewhat translucent and pale gray to yellow, but underside of tail is usually yellow regardless of belly color.
Similar Species:
Species Range: Southeastern North Carolina, south along Atlantic Coast and through much of peninsular Florida, and west just into extreme eastern Louisiana.
Louisiana Range: Pearl River drainage of eastern Florida Parishes.
Adult Habitat: A wide variety of upland and lowland forests where they are often found close to ponds, seeps, and streams, but may also be found relatively far from these habitats if there is adequate moisture available under cover objects.
Natural History: Southeastern Dwarf Salamanders are surface-active at night, spending the day concealed under surface cover objects, but retreating further underground in dry and cold extremes. They prey upon a wide variety of invertebrates. Pig Frogs are noted predators of a closely related species, but predators likely include snakes, birds, and even large invertebrates. In late fall and early winter, females deposit up to 60 eggs or more individually in or near shallow water, often attaching them to woody debris or vegetation, but sometimes depositing them within sphagnum or in shallow depressions beneath surface cover. Eggs likely hatch in 3–6 weeks based on limited evidence. Larvae metamorphose in 2–3 months. Both males and females mature in 8–9 months after hatching. Males may breed in their first year following metamorphosis, but females likely take an extra year to breed. Maximum wild longevity is unknown, but they likely live shorter lives than other Eurycea in Louisiana.
Best Time and Place to Observe: Southeastern Dwarf Salamanders can be found year-round by uncovering objects, like rocks, logs, sphagnum, or leaf litter in appropriate habitat.
Global Conservation Status: Southeastern Dwarf Salamanders have a relatively wide distribution and a presumed large population, and thus, are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None.
Louisiana Conservation Status: Southeastern Dwarf Salamanders have a ranking of SU (unrankable) in Louisiana. Southeastern Dwarf Salamanders have a State Protection Status of ‘prohibited’, meaning possession or harvest of this species is illegal.
Author's Remarks: I have found this species at some sites within the Pearl River drainage such as Bogue Chitto State Park, Bogue Chitto NWR, and a site in St. Tammany Parish.
