Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I assume it is some kind of salamander, but I am way out of my league here. I found it with some students, so I would love to know if there is anything interesting about it. I was in southern CA near the coast.

Thanks,

Jake

That is Batrachoseps nigriventris, the Black-bellied Slender Salamander. They are not popularly recognized to be found along the coast south of Santa Monica, were you within view of the ocean?

Yes - I was only 1/4 mile from the water. But I am farther south than Santa Monica - In Palos Verdes.

Thanks for the ID

Jake

Stebbins’ 2003 Field Guide does not depict them as inhabiting the palo Verdes hills on the salamander’s range. But nonetheless they are known by others as inhabiting the Palo Verde Hills and other hilly terrain about Los Angeles basin. Thanks. I'm always interested in new, undiscovered location for California's herpetofauna.