Cave Salamander
The Cave Salamander is a large, thin salamander that ranges in color from dull yellow, orange, to bright red. Dark irregular spots cover the length of the body, as well as its long tail. The undersurfaces are yellowish and unspotted. The eye of the Cave Salamander appears bronze and both males and females have two small cirri, or fleshy skin extensions, which extend from the upper lip. Adults reach lengths of 10-15.2 cm (4-6 in), and have 14-15 grooves along the sides of the body (costal grooves).
Longtail Salamander
As its name implies, this large, thin species is named for its very long tail. Longtail Salamanders vary in color from yellow to orange-red or red, and are marked by conspicuous dark herringbone or “dumbbell” patterns on the sides that sometimes form dark stripes on the tail. They generally reach lengths of 10-15.9 cm (4-6.25 in) and have 13-14 grooves along the sides of the body (costal grooves).
Eastern Zigzag Salamander
Similar in appearance to the Redback Salamander, the Eastern Zigzag Salamander is pale grey with a dark grey reticulation, and has a wavy stripe on the back that varies somewhere between red and yellowish. The belly is colored like the sides, often with red at the base of the legs and groin. Two color morphs can be found in most populations. The first appears as mentioned above, while the second is a darker variation that is medium to dark brown in coloration with frosted greenish-gold speckles on the back. Red pigment may also mark the legs of this color morph. Adult Eastern Zigzag Salamanders may reach lengths of 6.4-9 cm (2.5-3.5 in), and have 17-19 grooves along the sides of the body (costal grooves).
Ozark Zigzag Salamander
The Ozark Zigzag Salamander is pale gray with a gray reticulation, and has a wavy stripe on the back that varies somewhere between red and yellowish. Their coloration and appearance is similar to the Eastern Zigzag, but the dorsal stripe has less distinct edges, and is generally narrower. The belly is colored much like the sides, and there is often red at the base of the legs and groin. An additional color morph may also exist in most populations. These individuals have a darker medium to dark brown coloration with frosted greenish-gold speckles on the back. Red pigment may also be present on the legs of this color morph. Adults of both morphs may reach lengths of 6-9.8 cm (2-4 in) and have 17-19 grooves along the side of the body (costal grooves).
Gray Belly Salamander
The Graybelly Salamander is dark yellowish in coloration with varying amounts of tan on the back. Its sides are darker, and the belly is gray. Adults may reach lengths of 4.8-8.3 cm (1.8-3.25in) and have 19-20 grooves along the sides of the body (costal grooves). The Graybelly Salamander is a subspecies of the Many-ribbed Salamander.
Dark-sided Salamander
The Dark-sided Salamander is closely related to the Longtail Salamander. The species has dark stripes along the sides of the body as well as a light stripe down the back. The darker stripes are grayish in young specimens, and turn deep reddish-brown with age. The light stripe also varies with age, from bright yellow in juveniles to a more dull brownish-yellow in older adults. Dark-sided salamanders reach lengths of 9.2-15 cm (3 5/8-5 7/8 in).
Grotto Salamander
Grotto Salamanders are also known as “ghost lizards.” As adults they are whitish or pinkish, with streaks of orange on the tail, feet, and lower areas of the sides. The eyes look like two tiny dark spots and the eyelids are partly fused. The aquatic larvae are brownish or purplish-gray with streaks of yellow on the sides. They also have external gills, functional eyes, and a high tail fin.
