California
Ensatina eschscholtzii  Arie van der Meijden | |
| Type of Animal: | Amphibians |
|---|---|
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Caudata |
| Family: | Plethodontidae |
| Federal Status: | |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Deciduous Forest,Chaparral,Canyons,Oak Woodland |
| Description: | Ensatinas are found throughout much of California. They are active at night during the fall, winter, and spring months. During the day they are often found under fallen logs, rocks, and occasionally under leaf litter. In the summer months they retreat to abandoned rodent burrows to seek shelter from the heat. Foraging takes place mainly at night, especially after a recent rain. Their diet consists of arthropods and insects. Reproduction may occur any time during the active seasons. Females lay eggs in clusters of 3 to 25 under logs or pieces of bark. The eggs hatch in fall. Ensatinas are preyed on by a variety of species. Their predators include other salamander species, red-legged frogs, snakes, birds, and various mammals. |
| Effort: | |
| References: | Behler et al. 1979. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians. Stebbins 1985. Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition. Zeiner et al. (editors). 1988. California’s Wildlife, Volume I, Amphibians and Reptiles. |
| Other Sites: | San Diego Natural History Museum U.S. Geological Service |
| Field Office(s): | Bakersfield; Mother Lode; Palm Springs; Redding; Ukiah |