Tago's Salamander

A small, slender salamander typically measuring 3.5–5.0 inches (8.9–12.7 cm) in total length. Body is elongate and gracile with relatively short limbs and a moderately long tail. Dorsal coloration is dark brown to black, often with a subtle bronze or coppery sheen. The dorsal surface is frequently marked with fine longitudinal striping or a faint lighter vertebral line that may be prominent or obscure depending on individual variation. Flanks are typically slightly lighter than the dorsum, sometimes with an olive or grayish tone. The head is small and flattened with small eyes. Costal grooves are distinct and well-defined, typically numbering 13–14 between the limbs. Limbs are short and slender. The tail is compressed laterally and comprises roughly 40–50 percent of total length. Ventral surface is slate gray to dark brown, occasionally with lighter mottling or spots. Skin texture is smooth and somewhat glossy. Primarily inhabits cool, moist forest environments, including deciduous and mixed woodlands, often associated with moss-covered rocks, leaf litter, and seepage areas near streams and spring runs in montane and submontane regions. Highly terrestrial with strong philopatry to breeding sites. Diet consists of small invertebrates including springtails, mites, small insects, and other arthropods found in soil and leaf litter.