slimy things love rain
Ah!! The rains are here in abundance, and everything on the land rejoices!
The snails, slugs and salamanders have come out.
California slender salamander / Alameda County CA
(yes, that is a quarter next to this tiny being)
The California slender salamander is from 7-13 cm in total length. They breath exclusively through their skin! Because of this, it’s always a good idea to handle them minimally (or not at all) – also, some species of salamanders actually have strong neurotoxin that if ingested can kill a human (California Newt). The California newt secretes tetrodotoxin, which is 100 times more potent than cyanide!
I must admit they’re kind of cute. They have muppet-like four-toed feet on those tiny little legs, and do more slithering than walking.
California slender salamander / Alameda County CA
California slender salamander / Alameda County CA
This small garden snail has a shell that looks like it is made of pure gold.
A slug on a budding flower was doing its thing – the yard at night is magical after the rains!
feralzach 