Cave Salamander, Eurycea lucifuga

The Cave salamander occurs in caves in the karst topography of the eastern two-thirds of Tennessee.  This salamander is long (4.0 to 6.0 inches in length), bright orange to reddish in color, with black spots scattered over the body, legs, and tail. The belly is yellow and unmarked.

Similar Species: Long-tailed Salamanders have a herringbone pattern on the tail and are duller in color.

Habitat: Primarily cave entrances and ‘twilight zones’ of caves, where light is weak. Occasionally, in forests, springs, or streams.

Diet: Variety of invertebrates, including flies, crickets, beetles, moths, mites, and other insects.

Breeding information: Very little is known. Breeding occurs in summer, with egg-laying transpiring in fall and winter. Female lays 50 to 90 eggs under rocks or on the stream bottom of caves; occasionally outside of caves. The larval stage lasts 12-15 months.

Status in Tennessee: Uncertain due to difficulty in obtaining population data. Vulnerable to disturbance and subsurface pollution.

Fun Facts:

• The scientific name lucifuga means “avoid light,” referring to its cave environment.
• Cave Salamanders are excellent climbers.

Best places to see in Tennessee: Cave entrances in the middle or eastern Tennessee.