Abe's Salamander

A small, slender salamander typically measuring 3.5–5.0 inches (9–13 cm) in length. Body is gracile with relatively short limbs and a long, compressed tail. Dorsal coloration is dark brown to nearly black, with a narrow yellowish or cream-colored vertebral stripe running the full length of the body from head to tail tip. This vertebral stripe is the most distinctive feature and is typically straight and well-defined. Dorsolateral folds are present but inconspicuous. The head is small and somewhat flattened, with a rounded snout. Skin is smooth and glossy. Ventral surface is uniformly dark brown to blackish, sometimes with faint lighter mottling. The tail comprises approximately 50–55% of total length and tapers gradually to a fine point. Limbs are relatively short and weak, typical of terrestrial hynobiids. Primarily inhabits cool, forested mountainous regions with adequate moisture, often found beneath logs, leaf litter, moss, and stones in mixed temperate forests at moderate to high elevations. Occasionally found in proximity to small streams and seepage areas. Diet consists of small arthropods, including insects, mites, and other invertebrates encountered in moist microhabitats.