*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: Elongate, large, eel-like salamander (maximum 41.7”). Dark gray to dark brown on top. Four disproportionately tiny limbs relative to body that are virtually functionless, each typically with three toes present. Reduced eyes lacking eyelids set flush on flat head. Dark patch present on throat. Average of 62 costal grooves. Belly and lower sides are light gray, resulting in a more distinct and abrupt color change from darker top compared to Two-toed Amphiumas.
Similar Species:
Species Range: Lower Mississippi River Valley south to eastern Texas and east to Alabama.
Louisiana Range: Statewide, except in brackish and salt marshes.
Adult Habitat: Occur in nearly every freshwater habitat, including both temporary and permanent wetlands, but are more common in shallow, still, or sluggish waters.
Natural History: Three-toed Amphiumas are aquatic and most active at night, spending most of their days out of sight in burrows or other shelters. They are ambush predators and prey upon a wide variety of invertebrates, but also take fish, frogs, salamanders, snakes, lizards, and even turtles. Crawfish are perhaps the most important part of their diet. Snakes, especially Red-bellied Mudsnakes, are the most significant predators. Mating seemingly occurs in winter and spring when females lay 40–150 or more eggs in a Mardi Gras bead-like string where eggs are connected by thin constrictions. Eggs are laid in depressions the female constructs under cover objects usually near water. The female remains coiled around the eggs, which only hatch after being submerged during rains and rising water. The incubation period of eggs is poorly known but hatching is believed to take 4–5 months. Maturity occurs in 3–4 years. Maximum wild longevity is unknown, but a captive lived nearly 16 years.
Best Time and Place to Observe: Three-toed Amphiumas are primarily nocturnal and without trapping, which can be effective, the best chance to see them is at night with the aid of a powerful headlight as they forage in the shallows. During warm nights of heavy rain, they will sometimes move overland.
Global Conservation Status: Three-toed Amphiumas have a relatively wide distribution in the southeastern United States, a presumed large population, and tolerate a degree of habitat modification, 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: Three-toed Amphiumas do not have any special status in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I have observed and/or trapped this species in several localities in southern Louisiana, and also from Kisatchie National Forest (Natchitoches Parish).
