Ecology and Distribution of the Jemez Mountains Salamander, Plethodon neomexicanus

• Published in: Copeia 1972-09, Vol.1972 (3), p.486-492
• Main Author: Reagan, Douglas P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal feeding behavior; Canyons; Female animals; Follicles; Forest soils; Freshwater; Montane forests; Ova; Salamanders; Sloping terrain; Talus slopes
• ISSN: 0045-8511; 1938-5110
• DOI: 10.2307/1442921

Field studies involving Plethodon neomexicanus were made from September, 1965 to March, 1967. This species is limited to north facing slopes and steep canyons within the upper montane forest (2420-2800 m) of the Jemez Mountains, Sandoval County, New Mexico. P. neomexicanus maintains burrows among the rocks of talus slopes and moves easily through them. Salamanders are active at the surface at temperatures from 10.5 to 13.0 C with the surface dripping wet. Gut analysis revealed that they eat a variety of invertebrates including large numbers of ants. Intestinal nematodes, Thelandros salamandrae, were found in 41% of the specimens examined. Salamanders reach sexual maturity at a total length of 98 mm in males and 104 mm in females. Total and S-V length are significantly greater in females than in males. Mean clutch size was estimated at 7.7, range 5-12. P. neomexicanus appears to deposit eggs during late July and early August. Testes weights increase from June to September while salamanders are active at the surface. Salamanders were not accessible at other times. Collections from five new localities extended the known geographic range 19 km.