Ensatina

Ensatina eschscholtzii

The Ensatina is an easy salamander to find, but a little hard to describe, since it seems to look so different from place to place. One common feature of all Ensatinas is the narrow base of the tail. If its tail snaps off when an Ensatina is trying to escape a predator, it will grow back, although it takes about two years to reach its full size again.

Look For : A striking salamander with enormous variety of colors. Reddish to brown to black above; often yellow to orange at base of legs. Tail distinctly narrow at base.

Length : 3-5 1/2".

Habitat : Under rotting logs and rocks in various forests.

Range : Southern British Columbia and south to California.