Scientific Name – Aneides aeneus

Classification – Plethodontidae

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 8–12 cm (3 to 5 in)

 Speed – Fast moving

Life Expectancy – Not much is known; however, one individual lived for 6.4 years in captivity

Breeding Season – Late May to early June

Incubation Period – 3 months

Special Features – Devoid of the larval stage as the animal develops into adult phase within the egg; have squared toe-tips with large conspicuous eyes

Family Unit – The males are very much territorial toward other salamanders and other invaders; during breeding season, the male after entering the breeding crevices will wait for the females to join him, the courtship begins soon after the male and female meet; the female will stay with the eggs after laying, wrapping her body around the cluster until it hatches

Geographical Distribution – Eastern United States

World Population – Decreasing

Conservation Status – Near Threatened

Natural Habitat – Moist crevices in cliff faces, caves, and rock outcrops, in shaded, mesic hardwood forests

Diet – Beetles, mites, spiders, ants

Predators – Ring-necked snakes