Range
Endemic to a small area in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California.
Habitats
Occupies a variety of habitats within its small range, including high-elevation forests and semiarid pine/brush regions. They do not require environments with permanent moisture. They are often found under rocks, in and around rotting logs, or under fallen bark debris.
Identification
A robust *Batrachoseps* salamander with a wide, flattened head and a short snout. Its tail is the same length as its body, and it has a dorsal groove down the center of its back, as well as costal grooves on its sides. It has skinny legs and large bulging eyes. It is primarily dark grey to black with fine bronze speckling and/or brown and black mottling. It averages 5-6 cm in snout to vent length.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians