This individual was distinctly E. e. xanthoptica. Discovered beneath log with no evidence of moisture, conditions were dry following summer season. Speculation is that the salamanders surfaced from burrow under log, due to fog. When harassed elevated its body and tail, inflated with air, and excreted copious amounts of poison from tail. If gently touched with finger, hissed by suddenly releasing air and striking tail forward to leave sticky poison on finger.
Prevalent beneath logs and rocks, two or more often found. As many as eight discovered under one stone. Salamanders are particularly common under shade trees with thick leaf-litter. Possessed solid black eyes and strong contrast between reddish-brown dorsal and pale ventral.
