Scientific Name – Desmognathus auriculatus

Classification – Plethodontidae

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 3 to 6 in

 Speed – Fast animal

Life Expectancy – Around 7 years

Breeding Season – September-October

Incubation Period – Not known

Special Features – Rear legs larger than the front legs with a long tail; color ranges from dark brown to black with a row of white spots running along each side posterior to front legs; underside is marked with white dots

Family Unit – Solitary except during courtship and mating

Geographical Distribution – Southeastern United States

World Population – Unknown, but estimated to exceed 1,00,000

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Natural Habitat – Mucky areas, in or near slow-moving and stagnant streams, swamps, cypress ponds, pools in floodplains

Diet – Aquatic invertebrates

Predators – Banded water snake, red-fin pickerel, feral pigs