Rhyacotriton olympicus (Gaige, 1917)

Taxonomic Classification

The Olympic torrent salamander, scientifically named Rhyacotriton olympicus, is a salamander species belonging to the family Rhyacotritonidae.

Size and Habitat Preference

It is a small salamander that reaches a maximum total length of 10 cm, and inhabits clear, cold mountain streams.

Coloration

Its dorsal coloration ranges from medium to dark brown, and it may have a small number of light spots on its sides and small dark spots on its tail; its belly is bright yellow, and usually has some dark spots.

Head Features

Members of this species typically have short snouts and relatively large eyes.

Male Secondary Sex Characteristics

Like other torrent salamanders, adult males have square-edged lobes located behind the cloaca.

Stream Microhabitat

Olympic torrent salamanders live along the edges of clear, cold mountain streams, and they can often be abundant under gravel at stream edges and in the spray zones of waterfalls.

Terrestrial Occurrence

During rainy seasons, they are occasionally found under objects on land away from streams.

Broader Habitat Types

Their natural habitats include temperate forests, rivers, and freshwater springs.

Threats

This species is threatened by habitat loss.

Predators

Potential predators of the Olympic torrent salamander include giant salamanders and garter snakes.