Diplokokeina

Diplokokeina is a genus of small to medium-sized, terrestrial salamanders native to the eastern United States. The genus was first described by American herpetologist Edward Drinker Cope in 1866. Diplokokeina species are characterized by their smooth, rounded bodies, short limbs, and a distinctively large head. They are typically found in moist habitats such as forests, swamps, and marshes.

The genus Diplokokeina includes two recognized species: Diplokokeina diastema and Diplokokeina punctata. Diplokokeina diastema, also known as the spotted salamander, is found in the eastern United States from North Carolina to Florida. It is characterized by its distinctive black spots on a light brown background. Diplokokeina punctata, also known as the spotted newt, is found in the southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and Georgia. It is similar in appearance to Diplokokeina diastema but has a more pronounced spotted pattern.

Diplokokeina species are generally solitary and nocturnal, spending most of their time buried in the soil or hidden under debris. They are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates. Diplokokeina species are of conservation concern due to habitat loss and degradation. They are protected by law in many states, and conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats and monitor their populations.