This is a relatively large salamander. This salamander is plain brown and sometimes has yellow spots. It is whitish below and unmarked. Juveniles are darker on the belly with a patchy network of light-blue spots, called iridiphores, on their back. It has a large, triangular head due to enlarged jaw muscles. Its toes have slightly enlarged, squarish tips. There are 13-15 costal grooves. The tail is prehensile and usually coiled when the salamander is at rest.
Ten Facts about Arboreal Salamander
- They can reach the height of 5.1 to 8.1 cm.
- It ranges from Humbolt County in northern California, southward along the Coastal Mountains, reaching northwestern Baja California.
- It is found in areas of thick chaparral, coastal oak forest, and wooded, riparian canyons.
- Prey items include beetles, caterpillars, sow bugs, centipedes, ants, and occasionally Slender Salamanders.
- Mating takes place during the spring and eggs are laid during June and July.
- Most nests have been found in tree holes.
- Hatching occurs in the late summer to fall.
- This species may squeak when caught.
- Also known as Aneides. The name Aneides comes from Greek meaning shapeless, while lugubris comes from Latin meaning sorrowful, dark, or gloomy.
- Predators includes lizards, frogs, snakes, cats.
