Reproductive Phenology and the Larval Period of the Western Dwarf Salamander (Eurycea paludicola) in Southeastern Louisiana

Abstract

Abstract - Cryptic species are often lacking in basic natural history data, which makes it difficult to effectively manage and conserve populations of these taxa. Eurycea paludicola (Western Dwarf Salamander) is a newly designated cryptic species that is endemic to the southeastern US Coastal Plain. Despite the ubiquity of this salamander in many mesic habitats, descriptions of the natural history of this species are lacking compared to other taxa within the Dwarf Salamander complex. Here we describe the reproductive phenology, habitat, and developmental period of a population of Western Dwarf Salamanders in southeastern Louisiana. We include descriptions of the color and pattern of larvae and metamorphs based on our observations of 192 individuals and provide comments on sampling strategies for plethodontid larvae in microhabitats that can be difficult to survey. Reproductively active adults of the Western Dwarf Salamander were found from mid-November through late December and larvae were present at least from mid-March to mid-May. Individuals complete metamorphosis in the summer, and recent metamorphs can be found along wetland margins from late April through early June. This is the first study to highlight the reproductive and developmental timing of the Western Dwarf Salamander, and our results indicate that these salamanders exhibit similar life-history traits to other members of the Dwarf Salamander complex.