Threatened Species Spotlight: Blanco Blind Salamander

Image of Blanco Blind Salamander skeleton, courtesy of Jessie Maisano, University of Texas
[Photo: Jessie Maisano, University of Texas at Austin]

Blanco Blind Salamander
Eurycea robusta (formerly Typhlomolge robusta)

Description: The Blanco blind salamander is a fully aquatic, subterranean species of the Eurycea genus, in the family Plethodontidae (lungless salamanders). Only one specimen of this species has been collected (1951). It is 2.2 inches (5.7 cm) long with a large head and flattened snout. This species has bright red external gills, a finned tail, and long slender legs. It has 12 costal grooves and 4 fingers on its front feet and five fingers on its hind feet. The Blanco blind salamander is very morphologically similar to the Texas blind salamander and is distinguished based upon its range, molecular differences, and a slightly more robust body with stouter legs. The Blanco blind salamander exhibits extreme cave-adapted morphologies which includes vestigial eyes and translucent skin, giving the salamander a white or pale pink appearance.

Life History: There is very little known of its feeding habits or life cycle; however, due to its close relationship to the Texas Blind Salamander, it may have similar characteristics.

Habitat: This species lives in subterranean streams deep within the Edwards Aquifer. There is very little known about this species because of difficulty in locating it.

Distribution: Eurycea robusta lives in subterranean streams of the Edwards Aquifer, North and East of the Blanco River in Hays County, in Central Texas. This species is believed to be more widely spread deep within the karst aquifer in this area; however, because only one specimen has been collected (1951), it is difficult to define the range of this species.

The map below depicts the area where this species has been reported (according to literature review).

Map of Species Presence Previously Reported for Blanco Blind Salamander
Reported Species Distribution of the Blanco Blind Salamander (Eurycea robusta) [Figure: Houston Advanced Research Center]

Status: The Blanco blind salamander is a state listed threatened species. This species was recommended for federal listing, but rejected due to lack of information about the species. Only one specimen has been collected (1951).

Resources:

Chippindale, Paul T., Price, Andrew H., Wiens, John J. and Hillis, David M. 2000. Phylogenetic Relationships and Systematic Revision of Central Texas Hemidactyliine Plethodontid Salamanders. Herpetological Monographs, Vol. 14, pp. 1-80.

University of Texas, Herps of Texas, Blanco Blind Salamander

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