Salamanders
Salamanders are typically small, delicate amphibians that possess four legs and a distinct tail. They superficially resemble lizards, but lack scales and claws. Many species have aquatic larvae, that possess distinct gills. Most species transform into terrestrial adults. Most salamanders spend a great deal of their time underground in rodent burrows or rock crevices; during the wet seasons, they can often be found hidden beneath rocks or logs. These delicate animals are only active on the surface after cool rains, typically only at night.
In the US, there are several areas which can be considered "centers of diversity" for salamanders - i.e. areas where there are many species. These include: the Smoky Mountain region of Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia; the Ozark & Oauchita Mountains of Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma; Coastal California & Oregon; and the Edwards Plateau of Texas. Texas is unique among these areas in that it is the driest overall, and that most of our salamander diversity consist of fully aquatic spring dwelling species. Furthermore, the diversity of Texas spring salamanders is still poorly understood, and current genetic research is revealing new species of Texas spring salamanders annually. In addition to the fully aquatic spring salamanders, the Edwards Plateau also hosts one species of terrestrial lungless salamander, the Slimy Salamander. These salamanders may also represent more than one species, as recent genetic research has revealed several independent groups within this species which may warrant recognition as individual species.
The Nueces Canyon hosts two species of salamander: