Osalisteles

Osalisteles is a genus of small to medium-sized, terrestrial salamanders native to the eastern United States. The genus was first described in 1859 by American herpetologist Edward Drinker Cope. Osalisteles are characterized by their smooth, scaleless skin, which is typically brown or gray in color, and their slender, elongated bodies. They have short limbs and a long, tapering tail.

Osalisteles species are typically found in moist habitats such as forests, swamps, and marshes. They are nocturnal and primarily feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. Osalisteles are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs, which are typically deposited in moist soil or leaf litter.

There are currently three recognized species within the genus Osalisteles: Osalisteles garmani, Osalisteles ocoee, and Osalisteles wrighti. Osalisteles garmani is found in the southeastern United States, while Osalisteles ocoee and Osalisteles wrighti are found in the Appalachian Mountains. All three species are considered to be of least concern by the IUCN, as they have stable populations and are not currently threatened. However, habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as logging and agriculture may pose a threat to these species in the future.