Texas Blind Salamander

Texas Blind Salamander Facts

• This distinctive-looking amphibian most frequently goes by the informative common name of the Texas Blind Salamander, and for good reasons. Yet this marvel of Nature also has another name that, while still hard to pronounce, rolls off the tongue with comparative ease.
• That’s because, like all species, the unique creature also has a formal, scientific name. In most instances, though, this term’s somewhat difficult for non-professionals to pronounce. In the case of this particular fascinating species, though, that’s a relatively simple alternate name.
• This holds true due to the specific fact that, inside the halls of science, it bears the official name of the Eurycea rathbuni. This marvel of Nature further received this moniker as a result of the work of the Norwegian-born American zoologist, Leonhard Hess Stejneger.
• He accomplished the first formal recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species. he achieved that feat in the year 1896. Uniquely, it also has an alternate scientific name that he assigned it. Though no longer used, it once bore the name of the Typhlomolge rathbuni.
• Unfortunately for those who appreciate the wonders of Nature, it now finds itself facing several threats to its continued existence as a species. Due to that combination of factors, the IUCN currently lists the amazing amphibian as Vulnerable on its Red List of Threatened Species.
• The nature and extent of its own natural range lamentably renders the Texas Blind Salamander extremely vulnerable to habitat degradation or loss. The ongoing threat of climate change, however, no doubt also poses a dire threat to its existence, like most species on earth.
• Efforts are being made to preserve this incredible product of countless ages of evolution, though. That’s because, in 2013, the USFWS approved a specific habitat conservation plan. This project aims at protecting its local environment, thereby reducing stresses on the species.

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Texas Blind Salamander Physical Description

The Texas Blind Salamander fully merits appreciation for its physical attributes in several ways, to be certain. The most notable among these, however, is no doubt its eyes. More precisely, the lack of them qualifes as such. Technically, though, the awesome animal does actually have these organs.

These visual centers remain vestigial, though, and extremely primitive in their structure. They additionally lie under the skin, completely covered, and thus remain completely nonfunctional. Given the habitat of the animal, though, such organs would be completely superfluous.

Unlike many of its numerous related species across the globe, this creature displays no noticeable degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. It’s therefore quite difficult for an untrained individual to tell the genders apart, as they thus remain visually indistinguishable.

Both genders of this remarkable animal, in fact, actually remain relatively small in terms of dimensions. That’s because mature specimens only attain a maximum known body length equaling roughly 5.5 in (14 cm). Most individuals, however, generally reach a size closer to 3.5 in (9 cm).

The body shape of both sexes also developsa distinctive form, being highly elongated, again, like most of its many kindred. The amphibian also develops a relatively broad, flat head and snout. The flesh-covered eyes literally comprise nothing more than two small black dots visible under the skin.

Due to its isolated environment, the Texas Blind Salamander posseses no need for pigmentation in its skin. It thus presents as a pasty, off-white in color. The gills of the animal protrude from the throat, and surprisingly represent the sole exception to this pattern, being a brilliant red.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Amphibia
• Order: Urodela
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Genus: Eurycea
• Species: E. rathbuni

Texas Blind Salamander Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Obviously, the very name of this distinctive creature holds clues to its range of distribution. Unfortunately, both for it, and those of us who value Nature, it evolved as native to a highly restricted range of the world. It also appears that it never spread beyond that range.

This fascinating amphibian apparently evolved as indigenous to only a very small portion of what now constitutes the country of the United States, in North America. More specifically, there, the intriguing animal appears to only reside within the local boundaries of the state of Texas.

Even within that already severely restrictive range, the creature remains limited to a very tiny, and highly specific, zone of habitation. That’s due to the fact that specimens inhabit a total of only seven known locations, all located in a single portion of the state, that being named Hays county.

Amazingly, within that territory, this wonder of evolution only makes its home inside very specific environments. These consist solely of water-filled caves, in the Purgatory Creek System, and along the San Marcos Fault. This therefore places its range solely in the vicinity of the city of San Marcos.

Like its many relatives, the intriguing Texas Blind Salamander feeds as a pure carnivore. It also feeds opportunistically. Due to the nature of its habitat, it consumes various small prey, including snails, blind shrimp, and other tiny crustaceans, most of which flow into its area in the water.

Due to the extremes of its specific natural environment, researchers do not know a great deal about its life cycle. It’s believed by scientists, however, that the species breeds throughout the entirety of the year. Its lifespan in the wild remains unknown, but captive specimens live up to 10 years.

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