Speleomantes ambrosii (Lanza, 1955)

Limb & Tail Morphology

Ambrosi's cave salamander (Speleomantes ambrosii) has short, stout limbs, pointed toes, and a short tail, reaching a total length of around 12.5 cm (5 in) when including the tail.

Facial Feature

A distinct ridge called a canthus runs between its snout and eye.

Dorsal Coloration

Its coloration is variable: most individuals are brown to black with grey, green, yellow, red, pink, or brown marbling, mottling, or streaking, while some individuals are uniform brown or black.

Ventral Coloration

Its underparts are also dark, with lighter paler markings.

Endemic Range

This species is endemic to a small area of northwestern Italy, found at scattered locations within La Spezia province.

Habitat Restriction

Despite its common name, it is not restricted to caves.

Dry Period Refugia

During dry periods, it retreats under stones, logs, and into caverns.

Active Habitat & Altitude

At other times, it is active on leaf litter near streams, and on wet rocky outcrops in wooded valleys, at altitudes up to 1,250 metres (4,100 ft).

Hybridisation

In the southeastern portion of its range, where its distribution overlaps with the Italian cave salamander (Speleomantes italicus), the two species sometimes hybridise.