Definition

Noun 1. A species of lungless salamander: Hydromantes shastae is the scientific name for a specific species of salamander. It is commonly known as the Shasta salamander. 2. A cave-dwelling amphibian: This salamander is primarily found in limestone habitats and is known to inhabit caves and rocky areas, especially in the Mount Shasta region of California, USA.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist is studying the unique adaptations of Hydromantes shastae.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial for Hydromantes shastae due to its limited habitat range.
  • Unlike most amphibians, Hydromantes shastae lacks lungs and breathes through its skin.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: The name is always italicized in scientific writing. The genus name () is capitalized, while the species epithet () is not.
  • The study compared the morphology of Hydromantes shastae with that of Hydromantes brunus.

Variants and Related Words

• Shasta salamander (n): The common name for .
• Hydromantes (n): The genus to which this species belongs, containing other web-toed salamanders.
• Plethodontid (n): A member of the family Plethodontidae, the lungless salamanders, which includes the genus .

Synonyms

• Shasta salamander: The direct common name equivalent.

Notes on Meaning

• This term is highly specific and used almost exclusively in scientific, zoological, or conservation contexts. It refers to one particular biological organism, not a general concept.

Noun

1. primarily a cave dweller in the Mount Shasta area