The lesser siren, aka two-legged eel, dwarf siren, and mud eel, hails from central and eastern United States as well as northern Mexico. These salamanders face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of residential and commercial developments; and disease, in the form of the deadly Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, “Bsal”. However, these salamanders are abundant enough to be listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is listed as stable as well.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Siren intermedia
Weight: Up to 7.05 ounces
Length: Up to 27 inches, including the tail
Lifespan: Up to 25 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Their preferred habitats are swamps and ponds.
2.) These sirens can aestivate (hibernation for amphibians) for up to 2 years in dry ponds.
3.) Seeing as they are poor overland dispersers due to the fact that they rarely leave the water, their geographical range is greatly determined by pond connectivity and biotic interactions.
4.) They have the ability to quickly colonize and become dominant consumers in new ponds like those built by beavers.
5.) Unfortunately, they are often collected and used as bait for fishing.
But wait, there’s more on the lesser siren!
6.) Due to their poor eyesight, these salamanders rely on their other senses to forage, hunt, and survive.
7.) These salamanders rely heavily on chemical cues to detect prey as opposed to visual cues. The use of chemical stimuli in the detection of prey and predators is common in amphibians.
Did you know…?
Sirens are capable of osmoregulation and create a mucoid (mucus) cocoon during aestivation, which greatly reduces desiccation (dehydration) and electrolyte stress. Osmoregulation is the maintaining of the fluid balance and the concentration of electrolytes in the body.
8.) Sirens breathe through their gills, lungs, and skin, and survive well in hypoxic environments that are low in oxygen.
9.) Lesser sirens are known for emitting a series of clicks when they approach others of their species, or a short screeching sound when handled.
10.) They are nocturnal (active at night).
But wait, there’s still more on the lesser siren!
11.) Tadpoles, snails, insect larvae, crayfish, mollusks, frogs, salamanders, and other siren’s eggs are all on the menu.
12.) These salamanders defend their territory aggressively against others via biting.
Did you know…?
Adult mole salamanders and lesser sirens are the top 2 predators in the temporary ponds of the southeastern United States and often compete for territory.
13.) Females lay up to 300 eggs at a time, several times a year.
14.) Males take on the task of guarding the eggs till they hatch and will circle and aerate the eggs to provide ample oxygen.
15.) Alligators, egrets, mud snakes, minks, and large fish all prey on these salamanders.
Now a Short Lesser Siren Video!
Be sure to share & comment below! Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel. Videos added regularly!
Want to suggest a critter for me to write about? Let me know here.
Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Leave a Reply