An adult Idaho Giant Salamander. Photo by Gary Nafis.

by Christina Browning, from the July 2005 Newsletter

Found primarily in the moist, coniferous forests of the Rocky Mountains of north and central Idaho and extreme parts of Montana, the Idaho Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon aterrimus) is the largest salamander found in the state—just as its name suggests.

Originally considered a subspecies of D. ensatus, this salamander is now one of three separate species: The Idaho Giant Salamander, the Pacific Giant Salamander (D. tenebrosus), and the California Giant Salamander (D. ensatus). The other two species are distributed farther west, from central California to British Columbia.

These dark brown or black, smooth-skinned salamanders are known for their gray-, tan-, or copper-marbled pattern of spots or mottling on their backs. They can grow as large as 12 to 13 inches in length.

Since water is essential for reproduction, the giants are common near streams, lakes and ponds. Rarely seen in the daylight, they can be found hiding in moist areas such as under rocks, logs, or bark. They are most active on warmer, rainy nights.

Whereas most salamanders are voiceless, the Idaho giant is unique in its ability to produce sounds ranging from a low growl to a higher pitched yelp, when it is disturbed.

To learn more about the Idaho Giant Salamanders visit the Living Underworld Web site.

For more hike information and other educational and recreational events sponsored by Friends of the Clearwater, call us at 208-882-9755 or visit us on the Web at <www.wildrockies.org/foc>. And don’t forget to tune in every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. for the Wild Clearwater Country Show on 92.5 FM, KRFP Radio Free Moscow.

Copyright: Copyright on articles, recipes and images are jointly held by the Moscow Food Co-op and the respective contributors, except were otherwise noted.

Return to Resource Archive

For additions or corrections to this page, please contact the Webmaster.