Dicamptodontidae (see family information on Tree of Life site)

Giant Salamanders Medium to large terrestrial salamanders, distributed in the western United States. Largest living terrestrial salamanders, with Dicamptodon reaching up to 351 mm. The aquatic larvae require 2 to 4.5 years to reach metamorphosis. Members of this family are restricted to wooded areas that have clear, permanent streams in which their larvae can metamorphose. Tending to be nocturnal, they can also be found in dark forest (usually redwood or Douglas fir) during the day. Large metamorphosed individuals are aggressive and may cause you to bleed if you are bitten. They are also known to eat small mammals. Adults can produce a “barking” noise. Some morphological characters are: 1) vomerine teeth in “M” shape; 2) lacrimal present; 3) very large terrestrial salamanders with marbled dorsal patterns.

Dicamptodon ensatus Photo by Harry Greene (Click for details)

Genus Dicamptodon (4 species)

Dicamptodon aterrimus	species account	photos	range maps	no sounds
Dicamptodon copei	species account	photos	range maps	no sounds
Dicamptodon ensatus	species account	photos	range maps	sounds
Dicamptodon tenebrosus	species account	photos	range maps	no sounds

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