Junaluska Salamander

The Junaluska Salamander, Eurycea junaluska, occurs in a small area of lower elevation streams on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. A slender, small salamander (3.0 to 4.0 inches in length) with a yellowish-orange body covered with black flecks along the sides of the body and tail forming a vague, wavy line. The tail is relatively short, and the limbs are long. The belly is light-colored.

Similar Species: Southern Two-lined and Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamanders have distinct black stripes on their sides and longer tails.

Habitat: Found along edges of medium to large streams and under rocks or other structures in the streams.

Diet: Small, aquatic invertebrates, especially stoneflies and caddisflies.

Breeding information: Pairs breed along streams between autumn and spring. Females lay 30-49 eggs under large rocks in the streams where they attend them until hatching. The larval period lasts for 2-3 years.

Status in Tennessee: Tennessee populations appear to be stable; however, in 1994, TWRA listed the Black Mountain Salamander as "In Need of Management." Some North Carolina populations appear to be affected by stream modification or pollution.

Fun Facts:

• Named in honor of Cherokee Chief Junaluska, who is credited with saving Andrew Jackson's life before he became president.

Best places to see in Tennessee: The Lower elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains.