Black-Bellied Slender Salamander Batrachoseps Nigriventris

The black-bellied slender salamander is a small, slim-bodied salamander. Endemic to

California, this species is mostly found in oak woodlands but also in grasslands and in oak

and pine forests along streams. They are commonly found sheltering under bark, rocks and

logs or in the burrows made by other animals. Adult salamanders are approximately 3 to

4cm long. They have a narrow head, a slender, worm-like body and cylindrical tail that can

be twice the length of the body. There is variability in the basic colouration of the species

but the dorsum is typically speckled with spotted grey sides whilst the underside and under

the tail is dark in colour.

Interestingly these salamanders do not use lungs to breathe; instead, oxygen exchange

occurs through the skin and mucus membranes. When threatened they will employ a range

of defensive tactics including coiling their bodies and remaining still to avoid detection,

flailing vigorously to push their bodies away from predators and detaching their tails as a

distraction. If a salamander’s tail is severed or detached, they will grow a new one.

The feeding behaviour of these salamanders is not well understood but other Batrachoseps

species use projectile tongues to catch their prey, which consists of a variety of small

invertebrates. Similarly, breeding behaviour is not well known. Eggs are laid in moist areas

on land in the winter and the fully-formed young hatch in the early spring.

Its conservation status is Least Concern.

Pre-Supported
This model comes with a pre-supported version allowing for easy resin printing. The chitubox file is also supplied if customisation of supports is required.

As this model contains many fine details and delicate parts, care is recommended when removing supports to avoid damage.

Clipping off the supports before cleaning up with a sharp blade or file is the best method.

Hollowed Version
This model includes a hollowed version. The hollowed version is made available in order to reduce the amount of resin consumed.

If printing hollowed, curing the inside of the model is recommended.