Eurycea cirrigera (Green, 1831)

Taxonomic Identity

The southern two-lined salamander, scientifically named Eurycea cirrigera (Green, 1831), is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae that is endemic to the United States.

General Habitat Types

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, rivers, intermittent rivers, swamps, and freshwater springs.

Geographic Range

This salamander occurs across the Southeast United States, excluding peninsular Florida.

Adult Habitat

Adult southern two-lined salamanders occupy small, rocky streams or seeps in forested areas, and can also be found in and around springs.

Egg Laying Site Characteristics

Eggs are laid in shallow, flowing water with a gravelly substrate, attached singly to the undersurfaces of submerged rocks or logs.

Fertilization Method

Southern two-lined salamanders reproduce via external fertilization.

Egg Deposition Timing and Quantity

Between mid-March and April, females lay single-layer clusters of 20 to 100 eggs and deposit them under flat rocks in shallow flowing streams.

Nest Guarding Behavior

Females guard their nests against predators.

Breeding Season Male Morphology

During the breeding season, the premaxillary teeth of males become enlarged.

Courtship Behavior

When courting, the male scrapes the female's head, an action that aids in the release of secretions from the mental gland.