Description: This is a troglobitic species that has evolved several troglomorphisms such as a pale coloration and reduced eyesight, much like E. spelaea. Alongside E. spelaea and E. nerea, it is the only blind, troglobitic salamander that undergoes full metamorphosis.

Habitat: It inhabits freshwater springs (as a juvenile), inland karsts, and caves.

Range: This species is found in the Ozarks of northern Arkansas, where it is found in the East Springfield Plateau. It is found east of the White River basin.

Found in these States: AR

Diet: Larval grotto salamanders feed on amphipods, isopods, fly larvae, snails, and other small aquatic invertebrates in spring-fed streams. Adult grotto salamanders function as top predators on cave-dwelling invertebrates and other small prey found near guano, including flies, mosquito larvae, millipedes, pseudoscorpions, and beetles. They have also been reported to feed on bat guano.

Reproduction: It is thought that this species attaches its eggs to rocks in or near water.

Status: Listed as Least Concern, although the distribution of this species is relatively limited (its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 19,277 km2), it has a presumed large population, it occurs in several protected areas, and is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Taxonomy: