As the name suggests, the Long-tailed Salamander is known for its strikingly long tail, much larger than the size of its body (forming 60-65% of the length of their body), and are often mistaken for a snake’s tail.Along with their two subspecies, these reptiles are found in the USA.

Scientific Name – Eurycealongicauda

Classification – Eurycea

Gender Names – Male – boar; Female – sow; Baby – eft

Collective Noun – Herd, congress

Length/Size – 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm)

Life Expectancy – 5-10 years

Mating Season – Autumn to early winter

Special Features – Do not have lungs

Geographical Distribution – Only in the Appalachian Region of the eastern USA

Natural Habitat – Shaded and swamp areas in the edge of streams, springs, seepages, rock crevices, entrances of mine shafts and caves

World Population – Unknown (probably exceeds 100,000)

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Diet – Arthropods like spiders, beetles, moths, butterflies constitute their main diet

Predators – Most common predators are sculpins and sunfish; also preyed upon by small mammal, snakes, and birds