Aneides ferreus Cope, 1869

Size

Description: The clouded salamander (Aneides ferreus Cope, 1869) can reach a total length of about 5 inches (130 mm).

Body Structure

This species has a long, slender body with relatively long legs, square-tipped toes, and a prehensile tail. It has two naso-labial grooves that connect its nostrils to its mouth, and sixteen costal grooves running along each flank.

Coloration

The dorsal surface is pale grey, marked with irregular blotches in shades of gold, olive green, or dull red. Juvenile individuals have a brass-colored streak running down the center of the back.

Distribution Range

Distribution and habitat: This salamander is found in the Cascadian bioregion of North America, occurring at elevations up to 1,700 metres (5,600 ft). Its range stretches south from the Columbia River through the Cascade Mountains, along the Oregon coast, and reaches the northern tip of California in Del Norte County.

Habitat Preferences

It inhabits forested areas, and prefers moist sites with sparse tree cover over dry, dense forest stands.

Shelter Sites

It shelters under logs and rocks, under loose bark, inside rotting logs, and within rock and scree crevices. It shows a particular preference for rotting Douglas-fir logs, and is often common in recently cleared areas that retain tree stumps and debris.