A new maximum body size record for the Berry Cave Salamander (Gyrinophilus gulolineatus) and genus Gyrinophilus (Caudata, Plethodontidae) with a comment on body size in plethodontid salamanders

Abstract

Lungless salamanders in the family Plethodontidae exhibit an impressive array of life history strategies and occur in a diversity of habitats, including caves. However, relationships between life history, habitat, and body size remain largely unresolved. During an ongoing study on the demography and life history of the paedomorphic, cave-obligate Berry Cave Salamander (Gyrinophilusgulolineatus, Brandon 1965), we discovered an exceptionally large individual from the type locality, Berry Cave, Roane County, Tennessee, USA. This salamander measured 145 mm in body length and represents not only the largest G.gulolineatus and Gyrinophilus ever reported, but also the largest plethodontid salamander in the United States. We discuss large body size in G.gulolineatus and compare body size in other large plethodontid salamanders in relation to life history and habitat.

From Cave Dragons to Genomics: Advancements in the Study of Subterranean Tetrapods

“…On the other hand, Proteus has inherited its aquatic and darkness-loving habits from surface ancestors. Likewise, it has inherited its large body reaching close to 0.1 kilogram, which is about an order of magnitude above the mass of most North American cave salamanders but comparable to the size of the largest known individuals of the Berry Cave salamander ( Gyrinophilus gulolineatus ; Gladstone et al 2018 ). Sustaining a body of this size seems to be in conflict with the energy-poor subterranean ecosystem.…”

“…Sustaining a body of this size seems to be in conflict with the energy-poor subterranean ecosystem. A possible explanation lies in the biological richness of some subterranean waters of the Dinaric Karst that are home to Proteus , and in the high organic input from the surface in the Berry Cave (Gladstone et al 2018 ).…”