September's Record of the Month!

September’s Record of the Month goes to rmj2’s report of a Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum). Four-toed salamanders have a spotty distribution throughout our region, being restricted to forested areas with mossy pools or swamps. These habitats have dwindled over time, which is one of the reasons that Four-toed Salamanders are a Species of Concern in Ohio. If you’re lucky enough to see one of these salamanders, take care while handling it. There’s a constriction at the base of the tail that serves as an autotomy plane – allowing the tail to drop off to distract predators while the tailless salamander sneaks away.

You can view September’s Record of the Month at:
http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/2003495

Posted on October 5, 2015 01:21 AM by tortuga_rapido