Albino Salamanders, or baby cavedivervores?

[Kelly Jessop]

I'm sure you've seen them in the cave I noticed them in, Ben M. I suppose they spend their entire life in the cave zone?

Very cool to see them on this trip...one of many things that already has me wondering if I should use the Christmas vacation to hole up in the Motel Sandusky again... Never seen them in any cave south of Madison.

Haideotriton wallacei-they are troglobitic,and they can only be found in about 4 cave systems between GA and FL

[wingman]

Haideotriton wallacei-they are troglobitic,and they can only be found in about 4 cave systems between GA and FL

Yes and they have been photographed in jackson blue as well just past the second t in the area by the jump to kings canyon. Bill

[Ben M]

Haideotriton wallacei-they are troglobitic,and they can only be found in about 4 cave systems between GA and FL

Cool. Do you know anyone studying these guys? I usually see them in the 1-2" size range, but was surprised by a couple of 3" ones I saw recently. Sounds like they have some monster cousins up north, though.

I have seen them in almost anything associated with the Chipola River (Merritt's Mill Pond, Springlake, Bozell, Blue Hole, Maunds, etc.), I've seen them in the Flint, and I swore I've seen them in caves on 2 other rivers around here but different counties(both west and east) also, but I wouldn't swear to it without going back to reconfirm the last 2. So mostly in Jackson County, but they can be found in other nearby spots as well. I need to keep a better eye out. I didn't realize they were so rare as they seem to be pretty common within their range.

[mdax]

I took a short snippet of video of them at Hole in the Wall
Scroll to 3:44 for the Haideotriton wallacei sighting

[Kelly Jessop]

Cool. Do you know anyone studying these guys? .

Yes,there is a herpetologist that is studying the genetic difference between the ones in Florida and Georgia. I think under the Florida Areas Inventory they are considered imperiled.

[Webmaster]

I filmed one in Baltzell a few years ago.

It was up near the ceiling and I didn't see it until it was headed down toward the floor.

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I've seen them in several places in Jackson Co more than 4 different caves actually.



The first one I ever saw was in OW at Cypress, I'm certain it was blown out by the flow though. It didn't seem happy at all.

[Gene Powell]

Yes and they have been photographed in jackson blue as well just past the second t in the area by the jump to kings canyon. Bill

I've seen them on several occasions in this same area.

[FW]

They probably move from cave to cave on divegear, just like duckweed. BTW, Cow is covered with it now.

[DA Aquamaster]

They probably move from cave to cave on divegear, just like duckweed. BTW, Cow is covered with it now.

We noted that a few weeks ago.

Given the proximity to Peacock and the tendency for divers to dive Peacock, then dive Cow, particularly given the early closing time at Peacock, I am surprised it did not happen a long time ago. Even if divers take a great deal of care to clean equipment between locations, missing a piece of duckweed is still a distinct possibility.

As a related aside, its unfortunate that Peacock closes at a fixed time rather than adjusting the time 3-4 times a year to reflect the various later sunset times in spring, summer and fall, or better yet, just closing it 1 hour prior to sunset and adjusting the clock weekly to reflect the time. That would reduce the potential for divers to dive there, then dive elsewhere.