About Eurycea longicauda (Green, 1818)
This species, scientifically named Eurycea longicauda (Green, 1818), has a body color that ranges from yellow to orange-red to red, marked with random black spots. Nominate individuals (E. l. longicauda) have an average snout–vent length (SVL) of 50 mm (2.0 in), and their tails reach an average length of 72 mm (2.8 in).
Eurycea longicauda lives in streamsides, spring runs, ponds, cave mouths, and abandoned mines. During wet weather, they can move into wooded terrestrial habitats. They take shelter in rock crevices, or under rocks, logs, and similar cover. Eggs are laid in underground crevices connected to aquatic environments; in caves, eggs may also attach to objects in or above water. The total population of this species is large, likely numbering over 100,000 individuals. Some local populations have been affected by strip mining and acid drainage from coal mining, but there are no major overall threats to the species. The range of Eurycea longicauda overlaps with multiple protected areas.
The subspecies E. l. melanopleura reproduces from November to February. Its eggs have a diameter of 7 mm (0.28 in). Larvae hatch between January and March at an approximate SVL of 10 mm (0.39 in). They undergo metamorphosis seven months after hatching, at a SVL of 23–28 mm (0.91–1.10 in). Males reach sexual maturity when their SVL is between 31–43 mm (1.2–1.7 in), while females reach sexual maturity at 33–43 mm (1.3–1.7 in) SVL. The largest recorded males and females both have a maximum SVL of 55 mm (2.2 in).
