Don Balke: Salamander

Artist: Don Balke
1932 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 2000
Image Size: 6 by 7 inches
Overall Size: 12 by 13 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

Classified as Dicamptodon tenebrosus, the Pacific Giant Salamander is the largest terrestrial salamander in the United States and Canada. Although this rare species is found mainly along the coastal areas of Washington, Oregon and northern California, some inland populations also exist in northern Idaho. In Canada, the Pacific Giant Salamander is found only in the Chilliwack River valley in southwestem British Columbia - the northern end of its natural range. This salamander's coloring is dark brown to black, with tan, gold or gray marbling. It has smooth skin, a bulky head and body, and large, muscular legs. The larvae of the Pacific Giant Salamander are generally dull brown or gray, although mottled coloring is not uncommon. Adults are about 7 inches long from snout to vent, with a total length of about 13 inches. Although most salamanders are voiceless, this species has been known to give out a sharp, low-pitched yelp when disturbed. The Pacific Giant Salamander inhabits cool, moist coniferous forests near clear streams and mountain lakes. This species spends much of the nonbreeding season hidden in burrows or concealed by debris on the forest floor. Most active at night and during high rainfall periods, it has been known to climb shrubs and small trees. The Pacific Giant Salamander feeds on large insects, slugs, snails, worms and garter snakes, as well as small mammals like shrews and mice.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Rain Forest 33¢ Salamander stamp issued March 29, 2000.

Artwork Copyright © 2000 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

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