Shasta Salamander
Hydromantes shastae
![[Shasta Salamander]](/images/107ds.jpg)
Description
Distribution Range
General range map taken from CWHR.
Museum records taken from following institutions: CAS Herps, CAS-SUA, MVZ Herps, LSUMZ Herps.
Typical Elevation
Based on records in our database, in Shasta County the Shasta Salamander is typically found at elevations from 305m to 758m (1001ft to 2486ft). Minimum elevation we have a record for is 257m (843ft). Maximum elevation we have a record for is 803m (2633ft).
Taxonomy
The Shasta Salamander (Hydromantes shastae) was originally described in 1953 by Gorman and Camp as Hydromantes shastae. See Amphibian Species of the World.
There are no currently recognized subspecies.
Pronunciation
The assumed IPA pronunciation of this species: /haɪ droʊ ˈmɑn teɪs/ /ʃæ steɪ/
Taxonomic Etymology
Hydromantes is a combination of two Greek words. ὕδωρ ([H]udōr, often transliterated Hydro) means water. μάντης means prophet or soothsayer (Beltz 2006). It may be a reference to salamanders of this genus being chiefly limestone cave dwelling. Limestone caves are wet, and prophets are often perceived as anti-social loners who sometimes dwelt in caves or caverns.
shastae is a reference to Shasta County, CA., where the type specimen was collected (MVZ 52314).
Taxonomy Notes
There is likely more than one species present. The second species exists in a rather difficult portion of the range to get to, and there has not yet been sufficient sampling to properly describe the species. The sampling that has been done shows significant genetic differences with the rest of the Shasta Salamander population and is actually genetically closer to the Mount Lyell Salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus) (Highton in Bruce et al. 2000).
I do not know what if any physical characteristic differences exist between this probable second species and the Shasta Salamander.
Additional Information
Images
Unless otherwise noted, all images are of wild specimens in Shasta County.
Please be kind, do not hotlink images and do not use images without permission of the copyright owner.
![[Shasta Salamander]](/images/26sm.jpg)
![[Shasta Salamander]](/images/27sm.jpg)
![[Shasta Salamander]](/images/108sm.jpg)
![[Shasta Salamander]](/images/107sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Adult. Note the webbing of the hind feet, used to aid the salamander in climbing. McCloud arm of Lake Shasta, Shasta County, CA.
![[Shasta Salamander]](/images/106sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Neonate. This salamander from snout to tip of tail was about the size of the diameter of a quarter. Note the lack of yellow to greenish sleeves compared with similar sized Ensatinas. McCloud arm of Lake Shasta, Shasta County, CA.
![[Shasta Salamander]](/images/157sm.jpg)
Habitat Shots
Unless otherwise noted, these habitat shots are from within Shasta County where this species is known to occur.
There currently are no images to display.
Similar Species
Adult Shasta Salamanders can be readily distinguished from other Shasta County salamanders by the distinctive webbing between the hind toes. Young Shasta Salamanders also have this feature, but it may be difficult to see on really small specimens.
Shasta Black Salamander and Black Salamander
Shasta Black Salamanders (Aneides iëcanus) and Black Salamanders (Aneides flavipunctatus) typically have 14-16 costal grooves and a longer tail relative to the body. Additionally, Black Salamanders only occur in the south western arm of Shasta County. Shasta Black Salamanders however do share range with the Shasta Salamander.
Ensatina
Adult Oregon Ensatinas (Ensatina eschscholtzii) have a distinctive constriction at the base of their tail. Young Oregon Ensatinas have distinctive yellow or green “sleeves” at the base of their limbs.
Long-toed Salamander
Long-toed Salamanders (Ambystoma macrodactylum) are only known in the eastern portion of Shasta County. They lack a nasolabial groove, and typically have a distinct irregular yellow stripe down the back. Their tail is flattened on the sides to facilitate swimming.
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