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Project Noah Nature School
Plethodon ouachitae
Color black with lichen-like flecks and a wash of maroon. Chin pale. Chest dark. (information from herpsofarkansas.com) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rich Mountain salamanders grow to a length of about 5 centimeters (2.0 in), snout to vent. They are mottled and slatey-gray in color which makes them inconspicuous. There are glands on their backs which secrete a noxious substance to deter predators. (information from Wikipedia)
Deciduous forest in the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas
This species is known in AR only from Rich Mountain and surrounding ridges in Polk County. IUCN lists it as "Near Threatened."
Spotted on Oct 12, 2012
Submitted on Oct 13, 2012
3 Comments
another nice series - especially like the second shot!
I spent a couple of days trying for the Arkansas endemic salamanders and only came up with this gem. Caddo Mountain salamander and Fourche Mountain salamander are still on my list to find!
awesome info and spot! Thanks!!