Dwarf waterdog
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The dwarf waterdog (Necturus punctatus) is an aquatic salamander endemic to the Eastern United States.[1][2][3] It is the smallest member of the family Proteidae.[3]
Description
This species is usually between Script error: No such module "convert". long. It has bushy, narrow gills and a compressed tail. All feet have four toes. The salamander is uniform slate gray to brown or dark olive dorsally and dirty white ventrally. Most individuals have no dorsal spots; when the dorsal spots are present, the venter is unspotted (unlike in Necturus lewisi, which is also a larger species). Juveniles are uniformly brown dorsally (as opposed to striped, as in other juvenile Necturus).[3]
Geographic range
Necturus punctatus is found on the Atlantic coastal plain and the Piedmont of the eastern United States, from southeastern Virginia to southcentral Georgia.[1][2] Populations further west into Alabama and Florida represent another, undescribed species.[2]
Habitat
Dwarf waterdogs live in slow, sand- or mud-bottomed streams and connected ditches, cypress swamps; also stream-fed rice fields and mill ponds. They prefer bottoms with leaf litter and other detritus. During winter juveniles burrow into bottom and adults in leaf beds.[1]
Conservation
Necturus punctatus is not considered threatened—it has a relatively wide range, with viable populations through most of it. It is not facing major threats, and it is present in several protected areas.[1]
References
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