Batrachoseps attenuatus

California Slender Salamander

Identification/Variations: Easily identified by its long worm-like appearance and tiny legs. The California Slender Salamander is a reddish brown or rust color and is quite common throughout much of its range in California, but is less common in southwestern Oregon. They are black with white speckles below. These salamanders are quite small and are easily mistaken for worms. They range in size to about three inches or so in length.

Range/Habitat: This salamander is found primarily in California (hence the name), but ranges north into southwest Oregon in Curry County. They are most often found under pieces of wood or debris in forested areas when conditions are warm and wet.

Notes: As a defense mechanism this salamander will frequently curl up and flip upside down. Their other defense mechanism is to drop their tail which will then continue to twitch and writhe to distract predators while the salamander escapes.