Rhyacotriton cascadae Good & Wake, 1992

Taxonomy and Naming

The Cascade torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton cascadae) is a species of salamander in the family Rhyacotritonidae.

Size

It is a small species, with adults averaging about two inches in length.

Coloration

Their coloration ranges from brown to black, and they typically have yellowish underbellies and spotted sides.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, occurring on the west slope of the Cascade Mountains from Skamania County in Washington south to Lane County in Oregon.

Habitat Types

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

Microhabitat

It is typically found under rocks and fallen logs.

Movement Patterns

In terms of movement, Cascade torrent salamanders can remain in a small area for very long periods, and they generally move parallel to the streams they inhabit.

Lifespan Influences

Living alongside streams leads to a wide range of individual lifespans, because these salamanders may die during severe stream flooding.

Threats

The species is threatened by habitat loss.