Troglobitic Salamanders
Posted: January 15th, 2017, 8:12 pm
Something rarely seen: a metamorphosed Tennessee Cave Salamander (Gyrinophilus palleucus). These usually paedomorphic salamanders inhabit subterranean waters, primarily observed in cave streams. We saw two larvae in a pool upstream from where we caught this guy, but they unfortunately avoided capture. Jackson County, Alabama. November 2016.
Tennessee Cave Salamander, Gyrinophilus palleucus, morphed adult, big cave, Jackson County, Alabama by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
Georgia Blind Salamanders (Eurycea wallacei). Five individuals were found during a single day of caving. We were lucky enough to observe individuals of different sizes. It's quite amazing to see how these guys change as they get bigger. Jackson County, Florida. November 2016.
Georgia Blind Salamanders, Eurycea wallacei, Salamander Cave, Jackson County, Florida by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
The biggest individual, measuring 6cm in total length. Note the lack of eyespots when compared to the smaller individuals below.
Georgia Blind Salamander, Eurycea wallacei, Salamander Cave, Jackson County, Florida by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
Measuring roughly 5cm in total length. Compared to the smaller individual below, the eye spots on this guy are less distinct and the gills are red.
Georgia Blind Salamander, Eurycea wallacei, Salamander Cave, Jackson County, Florida by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
The smallest individual, measuring a tad under 3cm in total length. It is my understanding that no studies have been conducted on growth rates with this species so it's hard to say how old this one is, but I would assume very young.
Georgia Blind Salamander, Eurycea wallacei, Salamander Cave, Jackson County, Florida by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
A Georgia Blind Salamander (Eurycea wallacei) and a Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish (Cambarus cryptodytes). The Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish is often syntopic with the Georgia Blind Salamander and serves as a predator of the salamander. Jackson County, Florida. November 2016.
Georgia Blind Salamander, Eurycea wallacei, Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish, Cambarus cryptodytes, Salamander Cave, Jackson County, Florida by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
Tennessee Cave Salamander, Gyrinophilus palleucus, morphed adult, big cave, Jackson County, Alabama by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
Georgia Blind Salamanders (Eurycea wallacei). Five individuals were found during a single day of caving. We were lucky enough to observe individuals of different sizes. It's quite amazing to see how these guys change as they get bigger. Jackson County, Florida. November 2016.
Georgia Blind Salamanders, Eurycea wallacei, Salamander Cave, Jackson County, Florida by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
The biggest individual, measuring 6cm in total length. Note the lack of eyespots when compared to the smaller individuals below.
Georgia Blind Salamander, Eurycea wallacei, Salamander Cave, Jackson County, Florida by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
Measuring roughly 5cm in total length. Compared to the smaller individual below, the eye spots on this guy are less distinct and the gills are red.
Georgia Blind Salamander, Eurycea wallacei, Salamander Cave, Jackson County, Florida by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
The smallest individual, measuring a tad under 3cm in total length. It is my understanding that no studies have been conducted on growth rates with this species so it's hard to say how old this one is, but I would assume very young.
Georgia Blind Salamander, Eurycea wallacei, Salamander Cave, Jackson County, Florida by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr
A Georgia Blind Salamander (Eurycea wallacei) and a Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish (Cambarus cryptodytes). The Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish is often syntopic with the Georgia Blind Salamander and serves as a predator of the salamander. Jackson County, Florida. November 2016.
Georgia Blind Salamander, Eurycea wallacei, Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish, Cambarus cryptodytes, Salamander Cave, Jackson County, Florida by Daniel Thompson, on Flickr