Texas blind salamander

Taxobox
name = Texas Blind Salamander
status = VU | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = stable


image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Caudata
familia = Plethodontidae
genus = "Eurycea"
species = "E. rathbuni"
binomial = "Eurycea rathbuni"
binomial_authority = Stejneger, 1896
synonyms = "Typhlomolge rathbuni"

The Texas Blind Salamander, "Eurycea rathbuni", is a rare cave-dwelling troglobite amphibian native to San Marcos, Hays County, Texas, specifically the San Marcos Pool of the Edwards Aquifer. The salamander has blood-red external gills for absorbing oxygen from the water. The salamander's mature length is Convert| 13|cm|in| 0|abbr=on. Its diet varies by what flows into its cave, including shrimp, snails, and amphipods [http://www.zo.utexas.edu/research/txherps/salamanders/typhlomolge.rathbuni.html] .

References

* Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is vulnerable, and the criteria used.
* (2000): Phylogenetic relationships of central Texas hemidactyliine plethodontid salamanders, genus "Eurycea", and a taxonomic revision of the group. "Herpetological Monographs" 14: 1-80.
* (2001): A new species of subterranean blind salamander (Plethodontidae: Hemidactyliini: "Eurycea": "Typhlomolge") from Austin, Texas, and a systematic revision of central Texas paedomorphic salamanders. "Herpetologica" 57: 266-280.

External links

* [http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Eurycea_rathbuni.html University of Michigan Museum of Zoology]