Characteristics:
     This long, around 7in, slender salamander is bright orange or yellow and marked with small back spots. The spots are scattered and do not form rows. The belly is white or pale yellow. Between 14 and 15 costal grooves


Habitat:
   Most commonly found in what is know as the twilight region of limestone caves. They can also be found under rocks and logs near the entrance to caves or crevices.


Behavior:
      This aptly named salamander uses its long toes and prehensile tail to climb the walls of caves. Mating occurs in September all the way through February and they will sometimes mate twice in the same year. They lay their eggs in cave springs and pools and attach them to rocks.


Personal Remarks:
    We only see these guys in a few different locations in IL, but when we do see them we see lots of them. Sometimes you can look into a crack in the limestone bluffs and see upwards of 10 individuals staring back at you. It is a rather comical sight to see them all sitting on rock ledges with their heads up in the air. The bright colors of the cave salamander is something that needs to be seen up close. It really is stunning.