three lined salamander (eurycea guttilineata)

Three-Lined Salamander (Eurycea guttolineata): A Sleek Swimmer of the Southeast

The three lined salamander (eurycea guttilineata) is a slender, fast-moving amphibian native to the southeastern United States. With its vivid yellow-gold body marked by three bold black stripes running from head to tail, this semi-aquatic species is both beautiful and functional in the wild and in captive setups.

If you’re an amphibian enthusiast or looking to expand your terrarium with a striking new addition, the three-lined salamander is a fantastic choice. At OneStopReptileShop.com, you can find everything needed to support a healthy environment for your salamander—from habitats to feeding supplies.

Identification: What Makes the Three-Lined Salamander Unique?

Eurycea guttolineata is named for the three prominent black lines that run parallel down its back and sides. These markings contrast beautifully against a yellow or orange background, making this species one of the more visually appealing streamside salamanders.

Physical Characteristics:

• Color: Yellow, gold, or orange base with three black stripes

• Size: Adults average 4 to 6.5 inches

• Tail: Extremely long—accounts for more than half of total body length

• Skin Texture: Smooth and moist, typical of lungless salamanders

These salamanders breathe through their skin and mouth lining, requiring a consistently humid environment to survive.

Natural Habitat and Range

The three lined salamander (eurycea guttilineata) is commonly found in:

• Swamps

• Spring-fed streams

• Forested floodplains

• Wet, mossy woodland edges

Native to the southeastern U.S., particularly Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, and parts of Florida, this species prefers clean, slow-moving water sources surrounded by vegetation and decaying organic matter.

Behavior and Activity

• Mostly nocturnal, but may be active in early morning or post-rain.

• Excellent climbers and swimmers—very agile.

• Known to burrow or hide under logs, leaves, or stones.

• Solitary by nature, though multiple individuals can cohabitate if given enough space.

Their active and curious behavior makes them a captivating species to observe in a naturalistic enclosure.

Captive Care and Setup

Although not as commonly kept as some salamander species, three lined salamander (eurycea guttilineata) adapt well to captivity if provided with proper care.

Enclosure Requirements:

• Tank Size: 20-gallon long tank recommended for a pair

• Substrate: Moist leaf litter, sphagnum moss, and coconut fiber

• Water Feature: Shallow, clean stream-like setup with access to land

• Humidity: 75–90%, maintained through daily misting and a tight-fitting lid

• Temperature: 60–72°F; avoid overheating

• Hides: Cork bark, rocks, and live plants for cover

Find misting systems, terrarium kits, and high-quality substrate at OneStopReptileShop.com to build the perfect semi-aquatic environment for this species.

Diet and Feeding

These salamanders are insectivores and prefer live, soft-bodied invertebrates such as:

• Small earthworms

• Springtails

• Pinhead crickets

• Flightless fruit flies

• Aquatic insect larvae

Feed them every 2–3 days, ensuring food is small enough for their narrow heads to consume. Supplement feeding with occasional calcium dusting to support healthy development.

Handling and Safety

Like most lungless salamanders, the three lined salamander (eurycea guttilineata) should be handled as little as possible. Their skin is sensitive to oils, soaps, and temperature changes. Observing them in a well-planted enclosure is the best way to appreciate their natural behavior.

Always use clean, damp hands or soft-tipped tools if handling is required for tank cleaning or relocation.

Breeding and Life Cycle

In the wild, breeding usually occurs in late fall through winter, with females laying eggs near water. The larvae are fully aquatic and metamorphose into terrestrial juveniles within a few months. While not often bred in captivity, proper seasonal cycling of temperature and humidity can trigger breeding behavior.

If you’re interested in raising or observing life cycle stages, keep an eye on OneStopReptileShop.com for availability updates and care guidance.

Why Choose a three lined salamander (eurycea guttilineata)?

• Striking appearance with dramatic contrast

• Low-maintenance for experienced keepers

• Educational value for observing semi-aquatic behavior

• Unique tank addition with active foraging habits

• Compatible with naturalistic vivariums and bioactive setups

Start Your Salamander Journey with OneStopReptileShop.com

Thethree lined salamander (eurycea guttilineata) is an elegant, engaging amphibian that thrives in a humid, semi-aquatic environment. With a unique blend of aquatic agility and terrestrial activity, it makes for a rewarding species to keep. At OneStopReptileShop.com, you’ll find everything needed to create a thriving environment for these beautiful creatures—whether you’re a seasoned herper or new to amphibian care.