35 Salamander Species in California (ID + Pics)

As the third largest state, California is incredibly geographically diverse – resulting in a wide range of habitats such as scrubland, forest, wetland, desert, and grassland, as well as an abundance of coastal habitats. Nearly sixty species of salamander reside in California – many of these exist in isolation due to their specific habitat requirements, although ranges overlap in some areas.

The most diverse genus found here is that of Batrachoseps, the slender salamanders, which appear to have undergone great diversification, giving rise to a huge number of genetically distinct species. Slender salamanders are characterized by their slim build and the fact that they have four toes on the hind feet.

This article includes descriptions of both salamanders and newts in California. To learn more about the differences between these two groups of animals, check out our article Salamanders vs Newts: What’s the Difference?

California Salamanders

1) California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Ambystomatidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

California tiger salamanders are usually 15 – 22 cm (5.9 – 8.7 in) in length, and have a stout build with a rounded head and vertically compressed tail to aid swimming. Their coloration is distinctive; shiny black with prominent yellow spots, although individuals on the South Coast may display fewer spots. A yellow line around the mouth gives this salamander the appearance of always smiling.

Populations of Ambystoma californiense are largely fragmented but tend to be concentrated around western-central California. They are typically found in grassland, savanna, or on forest edges, and have unfortunately proven highly susceptible to pesticides, as well as loss of habitat.

2) Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Ambystomatidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Santa Cruz long-toed salamander was discovered in 1954, having been isolated from its most recent common ancestor for around 2 million years. Its range is limited, with populations being found in just eleven locations in California, most of which are concentrated around the coast of Monterey Bay.

This species has a maximum length of 17 cm (6.7 in) and has twelve or thirteen costal grooves, a round head with small eyes, and a vertically compressed tail. The skin is black, with orange spots running in a line down the back and tail, and white flecks along the sides, while the underside is gray.

3) California giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Dicamptodonidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Near threatened

The California giant salamander is one of North America’s largest salamander species, capable of attaining lengths of over 30 cm (12 in). They are usually reddish brown with darker mottling across the back, ideal for camouflage in the damp forests and rivers in which they reside. These salamanders prefer to have lots of cover available, which they use for hiding from predators and the sun, as well as laying their eggs.

The range of this species is confined to just three isolated areas within the state, spanning areas of Mendocino, Lake, Glenn, Sonoma, Marin, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties. Occasional large aggregations of California giant salamanders have been found – this is a rare phenomenon and has been suggested to relate to high-value habitats such as culverts.

4) Coastal giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus)

• Native to the Pacific Coast
• Family: Dicamptodonidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The coastal giant salamander can attain a maximum length of 34 cm (13 in) and is the largest terrestrial salamander in North America. These salamanders have a large head, heavy limbs, and a laterally flattened body, with twelve or thirteen costal grooves. Their skin is dark brown with light brown spots, although older individuals may lose this patterning.

The range of Dicamptodon tenebrosus in California lies from Mendocino County northwards to the Oregon border. These salamanders are found no further east than Shasta Reservoir, in Shasta County, and prefer wet forests, with access to cold rivers and lakes. Coastal giant salamanders will tackle a huge variety of prey, including rodents, reptiles, and salamanders, as well as large invertebrates. They sit in hiding to hunt, leaping upon and crushing the prey with their strong jaws.

5) Clouded salamander (Aneides ferreus)

• Endemic to the Pacific Northwest
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The clouded salamander is fairly small, growing to a maximum of 13 cm (5 in). It is long-limbed with large toes and is typically brown with green, gold, or reddish mottling – adaptations that allow it to climb easily and remain camouflaged among the trees. This species spends much of its time in the canopy, and has been recorded at heights of up to 40 m (131 ft)!

Clouded salamanders prefer wooded or burned areas with plenty of decaying tree stumps and logs in which they can hide – their diet consists of invertebrates (including beetles, centipedes, and isopods) that crawl close to these places, enabling the salamander to ambush them. This species is found in the furthermost north region of California, in Del Norte County and Siskiyou County.

6) Speckled black salamander (Aneides flavipunctatus)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

Black salamander coloration can vary depending on where individuals are found: some populations are black with white flecks, others have small white spots, while some even have larger yellow spots. This can make them tricky to distinguish – speckled black salamanders tend to have small white spots. Other features to look out for include fourteen to sixteen costal grooves, a length of up to 14 cm (5.5 in), and two nasolabial grooves.

This species can be found in deciduous and coniferous forests, and coastal grasslands north of the San Francisco Bay area, from Sonoma County to Humboldt and Trinity Counties. The diet of speckled black salamanders has been found to contain flies, ants, beetles, and springtails.

7) Shasta black salamander (Aneides iecanus)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Endangered

The Shasta black salamander is very similar in appearance to other members of Aneides, however, it tends to have small white flecks covering the entire dorsum, which aid in identification. This species also has a slightly more rounded head and robust body, with short limbs.

Aneides iecanus is only found around Mount Shasta, in Shasta County, although there are some suggestions that populations may be present in Tehama and Glenn Counties as well. This species is geographically isolated from the rest of Aneides and faces threats due to habitat loss, often as a result of flooding, due to the construction of dams.

8) Klamath black salamander (Aneides klamathensis)

• Endemic to the western US
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Klamath black salamander can be distinguished from other members of Aneides by its coloration: the usual black base is covered with gold frosting, transitioning to white specks or spots on the sides, legs, and belly. This species also has a larger body, and a more robust, prehensile tail, two features that can aid in its identification.

This species can be found in Humboldt, Del Norte, Siskiyou, and Trinity Counties in California, generally residing in deciduous woodlands or coastal grasslands. Klamath black salamanders have a number of antipredator defense mechanisms, such as posturing, biting, jumping, and secreting noxious substances.

9) Arboreal salamander (Aneides lugubris)

• Native to California and Baja California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The arboreal salamander is the largest member of Aneides, reaching lengths of up to 18 cm (7 in). It is brown with small cream or yellow spots on the dorsum, a cream belly, and yellow underneath the feet and tail. These salamanders are suited for climbing, with large toes and a prehensile tail – research has even found that this species can adjust its gait when going up vertical surfaces to reduce the risk of slipping.

Arboreal salamanders are widespread along the Californian coast, occupying oak woodland, yellow pine forest, and occasionally coastal sand dunes. They can also be found on several islands off the coast, such as the Farallon Islands and Catalina Island.

10) Santa Cruz black salamander (Aneides niger)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Endangered

Adult Santa Cruz black salamanders can reach lengths of 14 cm (5.5 in) and have very strong jaws – the musculature can often be seen bulging behind the eyes. These salamanders have long limbs and strong tails, the latter being able to regenerate if lost. They can easily be discriminated from other members of Aneides due to being entirely black in color, with no additional markings.

This species is located in Santa Cruz, western Santa Clara, and southern San Mateo Counties, where it can be found in deciduous or coniferous forest, or coastal grassland – usually within close proximity to water. Individuals are often spotted in the margins of fast-flowing streams.

11) Wandering salamander (Aneides vagrans)

• Native to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Near threatened

Wandering salamanders are well adapted for climbing, with a slim build, long legs, and a prehensile tail. They can reach 13 cm (5 in) in length, and usually possess sixteen costal grooves – coloration is generally dark brown with green, gold, or reddish blotches. This species is very closely related to the clouded salamander, Aneides ferreus, but was recently identified as being genetically divergent.

The range of the wandering salamander in California is from Sonoma County, along the coast to Del Norte County. Habitat preferences include coastal forests, where individuals may be found high up in trees, or seeking refuge underneath rotting logs, rocks, or in crevices.

12) Greenhorn Mountains slender salamander (Batrachoseps altasierrae)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

The Greenhorn Mountains slender salamander is small, reaching just 4.7 cm (1.9 in) in length, and tends to have a ‘worm-like’ appearance with its elongate body, short limbs, and prominent costal grooves (of which there are usually between sixteen and twenty). The coloration of these salamanders is usually dark brown, with a lighter brown or reddish dorsal stripe.

This species is endemic to California, usually found at high elevations in the Greenhorn Mountains, and the western slopes of the southern Sierra Nevada. Its habitat consists of coniferous or oak forest, where it lurks in wait for its invertebrate prey, which it captures using its tongue.

13) California slender salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus)

• Endemic to California and Southwest Oregon
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The California slender salamander has an extraordinarily long tail – usually 1.5 – 2 times the snout to vent length. Total lengths for this species range from 7.5 – 14 cm (3 – 5.5 in), and it possesses between eighteen and twenty costal grooves, which are highly conspicuous and lend to the salamander’s worm-like appearance. This species is very similar to the Greenhorn Mountains slender salamander but tends to be more variable in color.

There are substantial populations of the California slender salamander in California: it occurs along the coast from San Benito County to Oregon and is also found in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. These salamanders are heavily reliant on olfactory cues for communication – research has shown that they are even capable of self-recognition via odor.

14) Fairview slender salamander (Batrachoseps bramei)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

Compared to other members of Batrachoseps, the Fairview slender salamander has fairly long legs with large feet, and the tail is quite short. It is more robust than other slender salamanders and has a broader head with large, prominent eyes. Some individuals also show webbing between the toes.

The geographic range of Batrachoseps bramei is very restricted, with this species only being found in the Upper Kern River Canyon and the west side of Lake Isabella. These salamanders prefer north-facing slopes, which receive limited sunlight and remain cool throughout the year.

15) Inyo Mountains slender salamander (Batrachoseps campi)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Endangered

The Inyo Mountains slender salamander was first described in 1973 and is found in just a handful of locations in California in the Inyo Mountains, Inyo County. Unlike the vast majority of salamanders, this species tends to be found in quite dry habitats but still requires access to springs or seeps nearby.

Compared to most members of Batrachoseps, the Inyo Mountains salamander has a robust build, broad head, and short body. It ranges from red-brown to black, but this base color is rarely visible due to the abundance of iridophores covering the body. These are chromatophores that reflect light, creating iridescent colors.

16) Hell Hollow slender salamander (Batrachoseps diabolicus)

• Endemic to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

The Hell Hollow slender salamander reaches lengths of around 11 cm (4.3 in) and possesses the characteristic long tail and slim build frequently seen in slender salamanders. The legs are fairly long, but the feet remain small, while the head is broad. This species is black across the dorsum, with a paler stripe running down the back and tail, while the ventral region is pale gray.

This species is highly specific in its habitat preferences; north-facing riparian zones near large rivers or streams, with pine-oak woodland, is the best place to find them, although they spend much of their time hiding under rocks or logs. This is likely an antipredator strategy – slender salamanders will also freeze in the presence of predators, a strategy thought to decrease the intensity of the attack.

17) Gabilan Mountains slender salamander (Batrachoseps gavilanensis)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Gabilan Mountains slender salamander has only recently been formally recognized as a distinct species, having previously been included as part of Batrachoseps pacificus. Its range covers the central coast of California, the Gabilan and Diablo Mountains, and the east slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

This species is fairly large for a slender salamander, with a maximum length of 16.5 cm (6.5 in) – although much of this length is accounted for by the very long tail. It is gray or brown-black in color, with a coppery dorsal stripe and white speckling along the sides. This species can be found in well-shaded, moist woodland, or open grassland.

18) San Gabriel Mountains slender salamander (Batrachoseps gabrieli)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

The San Gabriel Mountains slender salamander is found in at least thirteen locations in California, from San Gabriel Canyon to Kimbark and Waterman Canyon. It is often found in rocky areas on forested slopes, usually in close proximity to streams, where it feeds on small invertebrates such as ants.

This species’ range overlaps with that of the black-bellied slender salamander – the San Gabriel Mountains slender salamander can be distinguished from this species by its fairly broad head, long limbs, and large digits. It is black in color, with coppery markings on the back and tail, while the ventral region is black with scattered white spots.

19) Black-bellied slender salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

Black-bellied slender salamanders can reach lengths of 4.7 cm (1.9 in) – excluding the long tail. They have between eighteen and twenty costal grooves, an elongated body, and the skin is dark brown, with a paler dorsal stripe. This species may be found in woodlands, grasslands, and by streams, where it feeds on small invertebrates.

The distribution of this species in California spans from southern Monterey County to the Santa Ana Mountains, as well as being found on Santa Cruz Island. Although the conservation status of this species is that of least concern, it may be threatened by habitat loss, and the introduction of non-native plant species.

20) San Simeon slender salamander (Batrachoseps incognitus)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

Female San Simeon slender salamanders are slightly larger than males, with their maximum lengths being 4.3 cm (1.69 in) and 4.2 cm (1.65 in) respectively – females also have more teeth than males. These salamanders have broad heads and long tails, and are dark gray or reddish brown in color, with a faint dorsal stripe.

The San Simeon slender salamander can be found in the Santa Lucia Mountains in north-western San Luis Obispo County, and south-western Monterey County. Its preferred habitat is forest, usually yellow pine, laurel, sycamore, and oak woodland – beyond this, very little is known about this species.

21) Sequoia slender salamander (Batrachoseps kawia)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

The sequoia slender salamander possesses the slim build and long tail characteristic of Batrachoseps, and is dark brown to black in color, with a paler dorsal stripe. This species is slightly sexually dimorphic, with females having between eighteen and twenty costal grooves, while males have eighteen or nineteen.

The known range of this species in California is very limited, and it has been suggested that there are likely populations elsewhere that have not yet been discovered. Currently, the only known localities are the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the Kaweah River drainage in Tulare County. This species may be threatened by habitat fragmentation due to busy roads, which are near impossible for the salamanders to cross safely.

22) Santa Lucia Mountains slender salamander (Batrachoseps luciae)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Santa Lucia Mountains slender salamander was first described in 2001, following DNA analysis. It is found in the northern Santa Lucia Mountains – the exact limits of its range are not known, due to possible overlap with other species, but it is known to reside in moist redwood and evergreen forests. Some populations have also been seen in parks in the city of Monterey.

The maximum snout-to-vent length in this species is 4.6 cm (1.8 in), and it is slender, with a long tail and eighteen to nineteen costal grooves. The head is narrow and the legs short, contributing to the worm-like appearance common to Batrachoseps.

23) Lesser slender salamander (Batrachoseps minor)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

The lesser slender salamander is the smallest member of Batrachoseps, but has a more robust build than other members of the genus, with a broad head and longer limbs than are typically seen. Coloration is dark brown or black, with especially dark flanks, and there is a paler stripe running down the back and tail.

This species is limited to a small area in the southern Santa Lucia Mountains in San Luis Obispo County, where it occupies mixed oak, sycamore, and laurel forests, and consumes a variety of small invertebrates. Lesser slender salamanders reproduce underground, burrowing down to lay their eggs during fall and winter.

24) Channel Islands slender salamander (Batrachoseps pacificus)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Channel Islands slender salamander is a large member of Batrachoseps, reaching maximum lengths of 13 cm (5.1 in). It has a broad head, long legs, and eighteen – twenty costal grooves, and is gray or black in color, with a yellow-green dorsal stripe. The underside is a little paler, and the sides display a few faint white flecks.

The range of Batrachoseps pacificus is confined to Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Anacapa Islands, where it resides among coastal scrub, grassland, or oak woodland. It is a secretive species, spending much of its time hidden under leaf litter, rocks, and logs.

25) Kings River slender salamander (Batrachoseps regius)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The Kings River slender salamander is around 3.5 cm (1.4 in) in length and has eighteen or nineteen costal grooves, a long, narrow tail, and a small head. The skin is black with numerous white spots across the back and sides, fading to gray on the underside – there may also be a paler dorsal stripe, although this can be very subtle in some individuals.

This species’ distribution includes the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, the south and east sides of the North Fork of the Kings River, and Summit Meadow in the drainage of the South Fork of the Kings River. Very little is known about the individual features of this salamander – it is considered vulnerable due to the lack of available habitat.

26) Relictual slender salamander (Batrachoseps relictus)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

Relictual slender salamanders have slender bodies, long tails, and between sixteen and twenty costal grooves. They are black or brown in color, with a reddish or yellow dorsal stripe, although this is not especially prominent in larger individuals.

Due to the loss of some populations, the range of this species is now extremely limited, with it being found in just two locations on Breckenridge Mountain. Relictual slender salamanders are associated with mountainous meadows, but may also be found in woodlands, where they hide under objects and seek out small insects.

27) Kern Plateau slender salamander (Batrachoseps robustus)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Near threatened

The Kern Plateau slender salamander is particularly robust for a member of Batrachoseps, with a short, rounded body, and a short tail. Females are larger than males, with a maximum snout-vent length of 5.8 cm (2.3 in), while males reach 5.2 cm (2 in). The sides are mottled gray, while the back is covered with rusty red spots and iridophores that form a striking dorsal stripe.

This species can be found on the Kern Plateau of the south-eastern Sierra Nevada, where it tends to occupy moist areas of pine or fir forest, hiding under bark or rocks in close proximity to streams or springs. Kern Plateau slender salamanders are considered ‘near threatened’ due to their limited range – areas of their habitat may be protected, but the IUCN has stated that this may be insufficient.

28) Kern Canyon slender salamander (Batrachoseps simatus)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The Kern Canyon slender salamander can reach lengths of 5.5 cm (2.2 in) from snout to vent, and has a slim body with a long tail. Individuals possess either twenty or twenty-one costal grooves, a feature that aids in distinguishing them from other species. Coloration is dark brown to black, with a prominent dorsal stripe seen in some (but not all) individuals.

The range of this species is confined to the south side of the lower Kern River Canyon, which is north-facing and provides riparian habitat with forested areas, and access to springs and streams, which these salamanders rely on. Although this species is protected in California, individuals may be killed during attempts to cross busy roads.

29) Tehachapi slender salamander (Batrachoseps stebbinsi)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The Tehachapi slender salamander is found at the Caliente Creek drainage and in canyons on the northern slopes of the Tehachapi Mountains. Its range crosses over that of the black-bellied slender salamanders in some areas – the two species can be discriminated by the Tehachapi slender salamander having longer legs, larger feet, and a broader head.

The maximum length of this species is 13 cm (5 in) and it is reddish-brown in color, with paler spots forming a disorderly dorsal stripe. It has very specific habitat preferences, which make it especially sensitive to change – ideal locations for the Tehachapi slender salamander are north-facing canyons and ravines with oak or mixed woodland.

30) Limestone salamander (Hydromantes brunus)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Vulnerable

The limestone salamander was first described in 1954 and is found in just a small locality along the Merced River and its tributaries, where it occupies limestone crevices and abandoned mines. Although the overall conservation status of this species is unknown, it is listed by the state of California as being threatened due to its extremely limited range.

This species can be identified by its stocky build, webbed toes, and laterally compressed head and body. There are thirteen costal grooves, and the tail is short and blunt. Coloration is brown across the dorsal region, while the ventral region is paler gray, and some individuals display dark mottling along the back and sides.

31) Mount Lyell salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Mount Lyell salamander has a maximum length of 12 cm (4.7 in) and has a flattened head, hence the Latin name ‘platycephalus’. The tail of this salamander is short and blunt, the snout is rounded, and individuals possess either twelve or thirteen costal grooves. Coloration is dark chocolate or black across the dorsum, with an abundance of mottled gray or pink patches, while the ventral region is black with scattered silvery chromophores.

The distribution of this species in California runs from the Sonora Pass to the Franklin Pass, along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It prefers habitats with granite bedrock and access to flowing water, where it is active throughout late spring and summer.

32) Sierra newt (Taricha sierrae)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Salamandridae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

The Sierra newt is fairly large, with a maximum length of 20 cm (7.9 in). In its terrestrial phase, it is stocky, does not have costal grooves, and has grainy skin which is yellowish-brown or burnt orange in color. Aquatic larvae are yellow with two dark stripes down the back.

The range of the Sierra newt covers the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where it can be found in forests of grey pine-blue oak and ponderosa pine. During breeding, this species seeks out fast-flowing water. Taricha sierrae produces tetrodotoxin via glands in its skin – this is a powerful neurotoxin that functions to deter predators.

33) California newt (Taricha torosa)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Salamandridae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

The California newt is very similar in size and appearance to the Sierra newt. During breeding, males develop smooth skin, a flattened tail to aid in swimming, and rough nuptial pads on the feet which aid in amplexus.

This species is fairly widely distributed in California, found along the coast and coast range mountains from Mendocino County, south to San Diego County. Preferred habitat includes damp oak forests and grasslands, where individuals consume a diet of worms, slugs, snails, and insects. They catch their prey using a long tongue that wraps around it.

34) Red-bellied newt (Taricha rivularis)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Salamandridae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Least concern

As with other members of Taricha, the red-bellied newt has rough skin, no costal grooves, and a stocky build. The maximum length of this species is 19.5 cm (7.7 in) and the skin is brown or black above, and bright red below, while the limbs are dark underneath.

Taricha rivularis has a fairly limited range, from near Bodega in Sonoma County, along the coast to Honeydew, Humboldt County. It is generally found in coastal woodlands and redwood forests, where it feeds on a variety of invertebrates. Larvae spend much of their time hiding under rocks or amongst vegetation.

35) Arguello slender salamander (Batrachoseps wakei)

• Endemic to California
• Family: Plethodontidae
• Order: Urodela
• Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)

Compared to other members of Batrachoseps, the Arguello slender salamander has a very rounded head and protrusive eyes. Individuals of this species are robust, with a maximum length of 6.8 cm (2.7 in), and their coloration is light brown with golden iridophores forming irregular dorsolateral stripes.

The Arguello slender salamander is found only in a very small area on Point Arguello, on the coast of Santa Barbara County. This area comprises thick vegetation with sandy loam soil, in which the salamanders are thought to burrow and shelter from variable weather conditions. There is little to no research available on this species.