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Bright Red Ensatina Salamanders
29 December 2006
Found these bright red Yellow-Eyed Ensatina Salamanders,
a Monterey sub-species, while birding along a quiet country road.
In wet weather lung-less ensatina salamanders emerge from their burrows
deep underground to absorb moisture through their skin.
Suddenly exposed to light and fresh air, the three shown here
remained motionless allowing me to take several photos.
Lung-less and very fragile, ensatinas breathe entirely through their skin.
Avoid handling as residue on your hands may be toxic to them.
This tiny ensatina measured less than 2-inches.
Skin so translucent, you can almost see through it.
Note the size of this tiny creature in relationship to the oak leaf and dirt clods.
Less than the length of my little finger, yet this brave little ensatina
arched its back defensively in an attempt to frighten me away.
After spending a few minutes annoying them taking pictures, I carefully nudged them
into the entrance of their burrow. They instantly crawled out of sight.
Return to Top. More on the Ensatina See Arboreal Salamander