Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration

The salamander species Batrachoseps stebbinsi is an underrepresented subject in morphological studies. Authors have noted morphological differences and genetic divergence between northern and southern populations. This has led to speculation as to whether or not the northern and southern populations are separate species due to their observed differences and the apparent gap in their distribution. To date, no formal analysis of range-wide morphological data has been published. In addition, this species contains distinct color morphologies that appear to be correlated with habitat. This study aims to quantify the color morphology and shape differences (body and limb proportions) between northern and southern populations of B. stebbinsi. The role of sexual dimorphism and size at maturity will be included in the analysis. Whether selection is driving the observed variation in color and shape differences is not yet known.

Poster presented at CA/NV Amphibian Task Force Meeting (APTF) at Cal. State Channel Islands 9-10 January 2025