The Pacific Giant Salamander is a rare species due to several factors, the most important of which are limited range, human activities, severe weather, and predation. The Pacific Giant Salamander is protected from killing or collecting under the Wildlife Act in British Columbia. It has been "red-listed" by British Columbia, meaning that it is being considered for "threatened" or "endangered" status.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: near threatened
Like all salamanders, the Pacific Giant has an aquatic larval stage, and a terrestrial adult stage. The adult is stout-bodied with a long tail. It is very large, usually 30 centimeters or more in length. Its tail is about 40% of its total length, and is laterally compressed as an aid for swimming. The Giant Salamander has four toes on the front feet, and five toes on the hind feet. Pacific Giant Salamanders are often identified by their coloring. They have a distinct pattern of dark blotches on a light brown almost brassy-colored background. Color is known to vary widely within the range of this species.
Larvae of the Pacific Giant Salamander are streamlined and adapted for life in flowing water. They have small "fuzzy" gills behind their heads and a fin along the top and bottom of their tails.
Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 16.9 years.
The Pacific Giant Salamander is found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. They prefer fast moving water to slow moving water. Cover is another vital characteristic of this Salamander's habitat. Cover is used for hiding, protection from the sun, and brooding eggs.
Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams
The Pacific Giant Salamander is found along the West Coast of North America from northern California to southern British Columbia. Its range in British Columbia is only about 250 square kilometers, a meager 0.03% of the province. It is also only found in a limited area in California.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
The adult and larval forms of the Pacific Giant Salamanders are predators. Adults feed on land snails and slugs; insects such as beetles, caddisfly larvae, moths and flies. They also eat small mammals such as shrews and white-footed mice; and other amphibians. Larvae feed on absolutely anything that comes near them. This includes insects, snakes, and small fish. In an experiment they were shown to grab anything attached to a hook, and refuse to let go of it, even when dragged from the water.
The Pacific Giant Salamander is sold as a pet in the United States where it is more common then in British Columbia.
Development - Life Cycle: metamorphosis
Mature adults migrate to suitable streams or springs for breeding. This is believed to occur from spring to autumn, but not much is really known. The female deposits from 85 to 200 eggs, singly or in clumps, in a hidden subterranean or underwater nest site. The female protects these eggs for up to seven months. She aggressively protects them from being cannibalized by males or eaten by other predators, and eats little or nothing herself. When the larvae finally hatch, they live in the nest for another two to four months. During this time they do not feed but get energy from their yolk. Because of this long gestation period, females are only able to reproduce once every two years. They also do not reach sexual maturity until they are five or six years old. These things combined with the small number of eggs laid give this animal a relatively slow reproductive rate.
Key Reproductive Features: gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)
California giant salamanders are at risk from urban development, increasing silt and sediment in streams, and habitat fragmentation resulting from urbanization, agriculture, and logging.Adults are also often killed on roads along nearby streams on rainy nights. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, D. ensatus is “Near Threatened,” which, on a seven-category scale from “Least Concern” to “Extinct,” is one category above “Least Concern.”
California giant salamanders fulfill both predator and prey roles in their ecosystems. They are food for a variety of predators, including fish, snakes, small mammals such as weasels, river otters, water shrews, and large birds, and they consume sizeable quantities of insects and other invertebrates (Bury 2016). D. ensatus also appears to play important roles in organizing terrestrial and aquatic communities. They can reach high densities and biomasses in small streams that lack fish, and may perform ecological roles similar to those of fish (Petranka1998). Early evidence shows that salamanders play important ecological roles in influencing leaf decomposition and nutrient recycling in deciduous forest systems, and it is possible that D. ensatus also fulfills this role.Two or slightly more larvae can be found per square meter in habitats that are in good condition, and 1-2 adults per square meter can be found. Dicamptodon larvae can eat the larvae of their own species or other species of salamander larvae (Petranka 1998).Perhaps with the purpose of startling predators, the California giant salamander can bark or rattle.Few other species of salamander have the ability to vocalize (Stebbins and Cohen 1995).
The California giant salamander inhabits the central coast of California, mainly in two separate distributions: in and around semi-permanent and permanent streams in mesic coastal forests north of San Francisco Bay through Sonoma and Napa counties to southern Mendocino County and in Santa Cruz County to the south. There is also a reported geographic isolate in Monterey County further to the south (Petranka 1998). Larvae are generally found in clear, cold, well-oxygenated streams with sufficient cover such as rocks, debris, and overhanging stream banks, but they also live in mountain lakes and ponds. Early in the year, when the water flow is faster, smaller larvae are found closer to the banks of streams. As the flow drops seasonally, first year larvae move to deeper pools and into main stream channels where older larvae live (Petranka 1998).
Adults usually inhabit the forest floor, generally in dark, wet, or moist forest microhabitats. They are benthic, generally found under rocks, logs (they prefer decaying wood to newly fallen trees) or other surface cover, and burrow in soil or fallen logs/debris, although they occasionally climb trees and shrubs (Clausen and Hammerson 2010; Stebbins 2003). Population densities are highest in areas with larger stones (Bury 2016).
California giant salamanders begin as white eggs, about 5.5 mm in diameter, with the embryos inside taking about five months to develop.This incubation period is one of the longest of all salamanders. They then undergo metamorphosis and experience a larval stage in which their bodies are outfitted with a streamlined shape and gills behind their head for their first phase of life in an aquatic environment.Additionally, their tails have fins running along the top and bottom of their bodies for surviving in running water.Usually the stream living larvae greatly outnumber the transformed adults. Larval gills are bushy and have a dull red color, while larval bodies are typically light brown with a yellow stripe behind each eye. Juvenile D. ensatus have golden marbling that persists into adulthood, although it often fades in older adults. Fully transformed adults have very large heads, smooth skin, and12-13 costal grooves along their sides.
Dicamptodon ensatus (California giant salamander) is a large, terrestrial amphibian in the family of giant salamanders, or Dicamptodontidae. Its native range is the southernmost of the four extant species in this family of the largest living terrestrial salamanders and is limited to coastal areas in central California, primarily north of San Francisco Bay. Their genus and species nomenclature most likely refers to the possession of two curved or compressed, sword-shaped teeth carried by paired premaxilla bones (Duellman and Trueb 1994). Adult salamanders are about 6-17 cm from snout to vent and about 17-30 cm in total length (Petranka 1998). In their terrestrial adult stage, their tail, which accounts for 40% of their total body length, is laterally compressed (flattened sideways) in order to aid them in swimming (Gonder 1999). California giant salamanders are easily identifiable purely by their large size, but can also be recognized by the black markings, blotches, or marbling on their bodies. These salamanders are brown to light brown, but can vary in color to include coppery brown, red, and yellow. They can be found in damp forests under rocks and logs and around permanent and semi-permanent streams. Larvae are more abundant than adults and are commonly found in mountain streams (Petranka 1998). D. ensatus can be distinguished from the Pacific, or coastal giant salamander (D. tenebrosus), as the latter species, which lives from Mendocino County, California northward through western Oregon and Washington (except for the Olympic Peninsula) to southern British Columbia, has fewer teeth in the upper jaw and shows finer-grained mottling on their backs that typically does not extend to their undersides (Fellers and Kuchta 2005; Stebbins 2003).
Dicamptodon ensatus is a carnivorous and insectivorous heterotroph from the immature stages through adulthood (Clausen and Hammerson 2010). Larvae will consume a variety of invertebrates such as insect larvae and adults, amphipods, ostracods, mollusks, and crayfish. Larger larvae will prey on some salmonids, sculpins, and salamanders. Adult diets are dominated numerically by aquatic organisms, but they consume a higher volume of terrestrial prey, shifting to prey such as large aquatic insects, invertebrates, especially snails and slugs,and occasionally vertebrates such as fish, mice, snakes, and other salamanders (Fellers and Kuchta 2005). They are also reported to consume beetles, caddisfly larvae, moths, and flies (Gonder 1999).
The California giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus) is a species of salamander in the family Ambystomatidae. Dicamptodon ensatus is endemic to California, in the western United States. The species once additionally included individuals now belonging to the species D. aterrimus (Idaho giant salamander) and D. tenebrosus (coastal giant salamander), under the common name Pacific giant salamander, which now refers to the genus and family.
The Pacific giant salamander (D. ensatus) was thought to consist of three geographic populations, an Idaho isolates, a group in northern California, and a group in Oregon and Washington.[2] In 1989 genetic studies showed that the D. ensatus populations consisted of three species: the Idaho giant salamander (Dicamptodon aterrimus) in Idaho, and two highly divergent species with a narrow hybrid zone in California, the coastal giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) (ranging from northern California to Washington) and the California giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus) (ranging from Santa Cruz County to Mendocino County).[3][4] A fourth species of Dicamptodon, Cope's giant salamander (D. copei), lives on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington.
The natural habitats of D. ensatus are damp temperate forests and clear, cold freshwater streams, ponds, and lakes.[1]
The adult California giant salamander can reach 17–30.5 cm (6.7–12 inches) in total length (including tail). Like most salamanders, the California giant salamander has four toes on the front feet and five toes on the back feet. The California giant salamander's tail is approximately 40% of the total length of the salamander and is laterally compressed. The head, back, and sides of the salamander have a marbled or reticulate pattern of dark blotches on a light brown or brassy-colored background. They have a broad head with a shovel-like snout and a fold of skin across the throat called the gular fold. The eyes are medium in size and have a brass-flecked iris and a large black pupil. This species is one of the few salamanders capable of vocalizing.[5]
Terrestrial adults search for prey such as snails, slugs, insects (such as beetles, caddisfly larvae, moths, and flies), other invertebrates, small mice (such as white-footed mice), shrews, possibly reptiles, and other amphibians under surface objects and in tunnels, whereas aquatic adults and larvae eat aquatic invertebrates, fish, snakes,[6] and other amphibians. California giant salamanders are preyed upon by the American water shrew (Sorex palustris) and the western aquatic garter snake (Thamnophis couchi).[7]
The California giant salamander breeds from March to May, with egg-laying peaking in May. Eggs are concealed several feet below the surface in cold, slowly flowing water often beneath rocks and coarse woody debris in stream bottoms. Adults sometimes stay near their nests. Larvae may lose their external gills and transform to terrestrial adults after 1 to 2 years. In permanently perennial streams, adults may retain their gills and become aquatic adults.[7] (See Neotenes below.)
The California giant salamander is endemic to Northern California and lives up to 6,500 feet (2,000 m) primarily in damp, coastal forests including coast Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) and California coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in both montane and valley-foothill riparian habitats. They tend to be common where they occur. The adult terrestrial form is found under surface litter and in tunnels, while the adult aquatic and larval forms are found mainly in cool, rocky streams and occasionally in lakes and ponds.[7]
It is found in two (possibly three) isolated regions. The first range includes Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties, southwestern Lake County, western Glenn County, and southern Mendocino County. The other documented region is south of the San Francisco Bay from central San Mateo County to southern Santa Cruz County plus western Santa Clara County. The California giant salamander does not occur in the East Bay, forming a gap between these two populations.[4][8] There is an unconfirmed sight record from Big Sur in Monterey County, approximately 75 miles (100 km) to the south of the documented population in the Santa Cruz area.[4]
Some California giant salamander larvae continue to grow into adults and become sexually mature without losing their external gills. This process is called neoteny. Adult-sized neotenes have a uniform brown coloring on their heads, sides, and backs and retained external gills which allow them to live in perennial streams as aquatic adults.[7]
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The California giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus) is a species of salamander in the family Ambystomatidae. Dicamptodon ensatus is endemic to California, in the western United States. The species once additionally included individuals now belonging to the species D. aterrimus (Idaho giant salamander) and D. tenebrosus (coastal giant salamander), under the common name Pacific giant salamander, which now refers to the genus and family.
Dicamptodon ensatus Dicamptodon generoko animalia da. Anfibioen barruko Ambystomatidae familian sailkatuta dago, Caudata ordenan.
Dicamptodon ensatus Dicamptodon generoko animalia da. Anfibioen barruko Ambystomatidae familian sailkatuta dago, Caudata ordenan.
Tyynenmerensalamanteri eli kalifornianjymysalamanteri[2] (Dicamptodon ensatus) on aksolotlien heimoon kuuluva sammakkoeläinlaji. IUCN:n punaisen listan mukaan silmälläpidettävä.[1]
Tyynenemerensalamanteri voi kasvaa jopa 30 senttiä pitkäksi. Sillä on pehmeä ja marmorimainen iho. Sen tausta on usein harmaa tai ruskea, ja siinä on mustia kuvioita. Värit haalistuvat vanhetessa.[3]
Tyynenmerensalamanteria tavataan Tyynenmeren rannikolta ja läheisiltä vuoristoilta Kaliforniasta enintään 900 metrin korkeudesta.[4] Toukat elävät enimmäkseen virroissa, mutta niitä on löydetty myös joistakin vuoristojen lammista ja järvistä. Aikuiset elävät kosteissa metsissä.[1] Se pysyy päiväsaikaan kaivautuneena sammalikkoon ja kaatuneiden puiden alle.[3]
Tyynenmerensalamanterin munat ja toukat elävät vedessä. Naaras suojelee munia pedoilta. Laji pyydystää selkärangattomia eläimiä ja pieniä selkärankaisia eläimiä. Toukat syövät selkärangattomia, kuten päivänkorennon toukkia.[3][5] Tyynenmerensalamanteri päästää säikähtäessään koiran haukahdukselta tai parkaisulta kuulostavan äänen, kun taas muut pyrstösammakot ovat äänettömiä.[3][6]
Tyynenmerensalamanteri eli kalifornianjymysalamanteri (Dicamptodon ensatus) on aksolotlien heimoon kuuluva sammakkoeläinlaji. IUCN:n punaisen listan mukaan silmälläpidettävä.
Dicamptodon ensatus est une espèce d'urodèles de la famille des Ambystomatidae[1].
Cette espèce est endémique du centre-Ouest de la Californie aux États-Unis. Elle se rencontre jusqu'à 900 m d'altitude des comtés de Sonoma et de Napa aux comtés de Santa Cruz et de Monterey[1].
Dicamptodon ensatus peut atteindre une taille de 17 à 30,5 cm à l'âge adulte[2]. Cette taille imposante lui vaut son nom vernaculaire anglais de California Giant Salamander (salamandre géante de Californie). Elle présente quatre doigts aux pattes antérieures et cinq aux pattes postérieures. Sa queue représente près de 40 % de sa longueur totale et est comprimée latéralement. Sa tête, son dos et ses flancs présentent des motifs sombres réticulés ou marbrés sur un fond brun clair ou cuivré.
Dicamptodon ensatus est une espèce d'urodèles de la famille des Ambystomatidae.
De Pacifische reuzensalamander[2] (Dicamptodon ensatus) is een salamander uit de familie molsalamanders (Ambystomatidae). De soort werd voor het eerst wetenschappelijk beschreven door Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz in 1833. Oorspronkelijk werd de wetenschappelijke naam Triton ensatus gebruikt.[3] De salamander wordt ook wel tot de familie Dicamptodontidae gerekend, maar dit is niet onomstreden.
De salamander dankt zijn Nederlandstalige naam aan de relatief grote lichaamslengte en het verspreidingsgebied. De wetenschappelijke geslachtsnaam Di-camptodon komt uit het Grieks en betekent 'dubbel-gekromd', dit verwijst naar de bouw van de tanden.[bron?] De soortnaam ensatus komt uit het Latijn en betekent 'zwaard',[bron?] ook deze naam is waarschijnlijk een verwijzing naar de tanden.
De salamander kan tot ongeveer 30 centimeter lang worden wat vrij fors is voor een salamander. Het is echter lang niet een van de grootste soorten.Er zijn echter ook exemplaren die helemaal volgroeid de 10 centimeter niet halen, waarschijnlijk als gevolg van een voedseltekort in het larvale stadium. De salamander heeft 12 tot 13 costale groeven.[4]
Het lichaam is rond en stomp en de staart lang en plat, de ledematen zijn relatief klein en hiermee is de salamander niet erg snel op het land. De kleur is koperbruin en meestal is een marmertekening of landkaarttekening van donkerbruine vlekken aanwezig. De basiskleur kan echter ook grijs of groenig zijn en de tekening meer gevlekt of gespikkeld.
De Pacifische reuzensalamander komt voor in Noord-Amerika en leeft endemisch langs de westelijke kuststrook van de Verenigde Staten in Californië. De habitat bestaat uit koele en vochtige bossen. De Pacifische reuzensalamander is zowel een dag- als nachtactieve soort die zich in rust verstopt tussen wortels en takken.[5]
Het voedsel bestaat uit kleine vissen, amfibieën, wormen en geleedpotigen. Ook is bekend dat grote naaktslakken en kleine knaagdieren worden gegeten.
Als in november de eerste grote regenbui is overgetrokken zijn de salamanders massaal op straat te vinden vanwege de trek naar en van eiafzettingsplaatsen en worden er vele doodgereden. De larve van de salamander leeft in koel en stromend water waar hij meestal op de bodem blijft. De larven van snelstromende beken hebben een veel hogere staartzoom dan die in langzaam stromende wateren.
Als een exemplaar wordt opgepakt kan deze een blaffend tot ratelend geluid maken dat dient om af te schrikken. Grotere exemplaren kunnen beter met rust worden gelaten want ze kunnen zeer pijnlijk bijten.[4]
De Pacifische reuzensalamander (Dicamptodon ensatus) is een salamander uit de familie molsalamanders (Ambystomatidae). De soort werd voor het eerst wetenschappelijk beschreven door Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz in 1833. Oorspronkelijk werd de wetenschappelijke naam Triton ensatus gebruikt. De salamander wordt ook wel tot de familie Dicamptodontidae gerekend, maar dit is niet onomstreden.
Multimedia w Wikimedia Commons Skrzeczek olbrzymi, ambystoma znad Pacyfiku (Dicamptodon ensatus) – gatunek płaza ogoniastego z rodziny ambystomowatych.
Pacyficzne wybrzeża Ameryki Północnej od Kolumbii Brytyjskiej po środkową Kalifornię.
Osiąga do 30 cm długości. Budowa ciała zwarta, masywna i niezgrabna. Tułów gruby z 12 słabo zaznaczonymi bruzdami międzyżebrowymi. Głowa nieproporcjonalnie duża i szeroka, oczy również nieproporcjonalnie wielkie wystające. Ogon bardzo krótki silnie zwężający się ku tyłowi i bocznie spłaszczony. Odnóża, zwłaszcza tylne, są duże, grube i dobrze umięśnione, końce palców rozszerzone. Skóra gładka, błyszcząca.
Ubarwienie grzbietu rudo- lub oliwkowo- brązowe, z niewyraźnym, siatkowanym deseniem ciemnych plam.
Skrzeczek olbrzymi występuje na terenach górzystych, pokrytych wilgotnymi lasami, w pobliżu strumieni i źródeł. Prowadzi lądowy tryb życia. Potrafi wdrapywać się na pochyłe pnie drzew lub niskie krzewy, nawet na wysokość kilku metrów. Prowadzi głównie nocny tryb życia lecz bywa aktywny również w ciągu dnia, nawet przy słonecznej pogodzie. Przestraszony wydaje donośny, skrzeczący lub chroboczący głos.
Jest wyjątkowo żarłoczny i drapieżny, pożera wszystkie zwierzęta które potrafi pokonać i połknąć. Oprócz bezkręgowców zjada również płazy ogoniaste, a także żaby, małe węże oraz myszy.
Wiosną, w maju, samica składa około 100 przyklejając je w pakiecie do powierzchni kamieni. Kijanki mają krótkie skrzela oraz niska płetwę ogonową. Przeobrażają się po 1-2 latach przy długości 10-15 cm, choć zdarzają się osobniki neoteniczne.
Skrzeczek olbrzymi, ambystoma znad Pacyfiku (Dicamptodon ensatus) – gatunek płaza ogoniastego z rodziny ambystomowatych.
Dicamptodon ensatus é uma espécie de anfíbio caudado pertencente à família Dicamptodontidae. Endêmica no oeste da América do Norte, em Idaho, Califórnia, Oregon e Washington.
Dicamptodon ensatus é uma espécie de anfíbio caudado pertencente à família Dicamptodontidae. Endêmica no oeste da América do Norte, em Idaho, Califórnia, Oregon e Washington.
Dicamptodon ensatus är ett stjärtgroddjur i familjen västliga mullvadssalamandrar som finns i Kalifornien.
Arten är mycket stor och kraftigt byggd, och kan nå över 30 centimeters längd. Den har en lång svans, som är ihoptryckt från sidorna för att tjäna som ett hjälpmedel när djuret simmar. Färgteckningen är variabel.[3] Ryggsidan är vanligen ljust rödbrun med ett spräckligt, kopparfärgat mönster. Buksidan är vitaktig eller gulgrå, och vanligtvis utan några markeringar. Neoteni förekommer, det vill säga fenomenet att larven aldrig förändras, utan det vuxna, könsmogna djuret bibehåller larvkaraktärerna. Larven har korta, buskiga, gråröda yttre gälar, och är ofta svartfläckig. Den har en ganska kort fena på ovan- och undersidan av svansen.[4]
Arten finns i västra centrala Kalifornien i USA.[1]
Dicamptodon ensatus är framför allt nattaktiv, och är ofta aktiv under regniga nätter.[3] De vuxna djuren lever i fuktig skog nära vatten, och gömmer sig gärna under stenar och trädstockar.[1] Djuret har ett skällande läte.[5]
Inte mycket är känt om dess diet, men troligtvis består den av både ryggradslösa djur som sniglar, snäckor, skalbaggar och nattsländelarver och mindre ryggradsdjur, som andra stjärtlösa groddjur, ödlor och smågnagare som näbbmöss och möss. Larverna livnär sig av bland annat insekter, ormar och småfisk.[3] Kannibalism förekommer. Bland fienderna hittar man större fåglar, smågnagare och reptiler som strumpebandssnokar. Arten har en giftig hudutsöndring, som kan avskräcka en del fiender.[5] Arten kan också bitas smärtsamt.[3]
Fortplantning och larvutveckling är akvatisk och sker i kalla klara vattendrag, bergssjöar och dammar.[1] Fortplantningen antas äga rum under vår och höst. Honan lägger mellan 85 och 200 ägg i ett gömsle under vatten och vaktar äggen i flera månader; hon äter litet eller inget under tiden.[3] Äggen kan ta upptill 5 månader för att kläckas. Larverna förvandlas under andra levnadsåret.[5]
Dicamptodon ensatus är klassificerad som missgynnad ("NT"), men inga egentliga data finns som visar att arten minskar i antal. Det lilla utbredningsområdet gör den emellertid känslig för åtgärder som urbanisation, agrikulturell verksamhet och skogsavverkning.[1]
Dicamptodon ensatus är ett stjärtgroddjur i familjen västliga mullvadssalamandrar som finns i Kalifornien.
Загальна довжина досягає 17—30,5 см. Голова невелика, широка. Тулуб масивний, незграбний. На передніх лапах 4 пальці, на задніх — 5. Хвіст доволі довгий, стиснутий з боків. Забарвлена у коричневий колір з різними відтінками.
Полюбляє рідколісся, чагарники, скелясту місцину. Зустрічається на висоті до 900 м над рівнем моря. Добре лазить по деревах. При переляку видає досить гучний звук, що нагадує гавкіт або короткий вереск низького тону. Активна вночі. Живиться безхребетними, амбістомами інших видів, безлегеневими саламандрами, дрібними жабами, землерийками, гризунами, невеличкими зміями.
Парування та розмноження відбувається з березня по травень. Самиця відкладає близько 100 яєць в глибокі тріщини землі або нори гризунів. Вона обвиває кладку яєць своїм тілом. Метаморфоз триває до 2 років.
Мешкає у центральній та західній частинах штату Каліфорнія (США).
Kỳ giông lớn California (danh pháp: Dicamptodon ensatus) là một loài kỳ giông trong họ Dicamptodontidae. Đây là loài đặc hữu của tiểu bang California, Hoa Kỳ. Môi trường sống tự nhiên của chúng là rừng ôn đới, sông ngòi, hồ nước ngọt, và đầm nước ngọt.
Kỳ giông lớn California có thể đạt tổng chiều dài 17-30,5 cm (6,7-12 inch). Như tất cả các loài kỳ nhông, nó có bốn ngón chân trên bàn chân trước và năm ngón chân trên bàn chân sau. Đuôi nó chiếm khoảng 40% tổng chiều dài của chúng và hẹp theo bề ngang. Đầu, lưng, và hai bên của kỳ nhông có một vạch màu cẩm thạch trên một nền màu nâu hoặc màu đồng sáng. Nó có một cái đầu lớn với một cái mõm giống như xẻng và nếp gấp của da trên cổ họng được gọi là lằn gular. Đôi mắt trung bình về kích thước và có một mống mắt đồng đốm và lỗ con ngươi lớn màu đen. Loài này là một trong số ít các loài kỳ nhông có khả năng phát ra âm thanh.[2]
Con trưởng thành lên mặt đất tìm kiếm con mồi như ốc, ốc sên, xương sống khác, chuột nhỏ, chuột chù, có thể là loài bò sát, và các loài lưỡng cư nhỏ. Kỳ giông lớn California ăn thịt chuột chù nước Mỹ (Sorex palustris) và Thamnophis couchi.[3]
Kỳ giông lớn California sinh sản từ tháng 3 đến tháng 5 với số lượng trứng đạt đỉnh vào tháng 5. Trứng được giấu vài mét bên dưới bề mặt nước trong, lạnh thường bên dưới những tảng đá và các mảnh vụn gỗ thô tại đáy suối. Con trưởng thành đôi khi ở gần tổ của chúng. Ấu trùng có thể bị mất mang ngoài và biến đổi để trưởng thành ở trên mặt đất sau 1 đến 2 năm. Nếu ở trong suối lâu năm, con trưởng thành có thể giữ lại mang và trưởng thành ở trong môi trường nước.
Kỳ giông lớn California (danh pháp: Dicamptodon ensatus) là một loài kỳ giông trong họ Dicamptodontidae. Đây là loài đặc hữu của tiểu bang California, Hoa Kỳ. Môi trường sống tự nhiên của chúng là rừng ôn đới, sông ngòi, hồ nước ngọt, và đầm nước ngọt.
Dicamptodon ensatus (Eschscholtz, 1833)
Синонимы[1]
Тихоокеанская амбистома[2] (лат. Dicamptodon ensatus) — вид хвостатых земноводных из семейства амбистом.
Эндемик США: ареал вида охватывает тихоокеанское побережье и прилегающие горы Калифорнии, от юга округа Мендосино до юга округа Санта-Крус[1].
Общая длина колеблется от 17 до 30,5 см. Голова небольшая, широкая, с лопатообразной мордой. Глаза среднего размера с большим чёрным зрачком. Туловище массивное, неуклюжее. На передних лапах 4 пальца, на задних — 5. Хвост довольно длинный (около 40 % от общей длины), сжатый с боков. Окрашена в коричневый цвет с различными оттенками. На голове, спине и боках мраморный или сетчатый рисунок из тёмных пятен[3].
Предпочитает редколесья, кустарники, скалистую местность. Встречается на высоте до 900 м над уровнем моря. Хорошо лазает по деревьям. При испуге издает довольно громкий звук, напоминающий лай или короткий визг низкого тона[4]. Активна ночью. Питается беспозвоночными, амбистомами других видов, безлёгочными саламандрами, мелкими лягушками, землеройками, грызунами и небольшими змеями[5].
Спаривание и размножение происходит с марта по май. Самка откладывает около 100 яиц в глубокие трещины земли или норы грызунов, и обвивает кладку яиц своим телом. Метаморфоз длится до 2 лет. Личинки питаются водными беспозвоночными, рыбой и другими земноводными[6].
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Тихоокеанская амбистома (лат. Dicamptodon ensatus) — вид хвостатых земноводных из семейства амбистом.
