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Western Lesser Siren
Siren intermedia nettingi
Description
An eel-like aquatic salamander with tiny front limbs and external gills. A slender, long body with 32-37 costal grooves along sides. Head is narrow. Adults typically have a light stripe on upper lip. Ground color is uniformly brown, olive green, to dark gray with no stripes. Front legs have four digits. Belly is slightly lighter then the dorsum.
Stats
Size
7 – 27 inches
Status
Uncommon
Similar Species
None
Diet
A variety of aquatic insects, crawfish, and earthworms.
Habitat
Inhabits warm shallow swamps, ponds, ditches, or inlets of lakes with mucky bottoms and aquatic vegetation.
Reproduction
Breeding occurrs in spring. 200 to 700 eggs are laid in nests at the bottom of ponds. The larval stage may last two to three years.
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