Hydromantes shastae

9.9

A small amphibian like a frog that lives in caves near Mount Shasta, California

noun

Specialized

: Hydromantes shastae

The Hydromantes shastae is adapted to life in the cool, damp conditions of local caves.

Examples

Efforts are underway to protect the habitat of Hydromantes shastae from environmental threats.
Scientists are studying Hydromantes shastae to learn more about its unique respiratory system.
The Hydromantes shastae is a unique species of salamander.
Many researchers study the Hydromantes shastae in its natural habitat.
Researchers are working to conserve the habitat of Hydromantes shastae in the Mount Shasta area.
In the cool caves near Mount Shasta, the Hydromantes shastae thrives in its natural environment.
Conservation efforts focus on the Hydromantes shastae, a salamander found only in California.

Synonyms

Shasta salamander

vsHydromantes shastae

Specialized

9.9

A rare small amphibian that lives in caves near Mount Shasta, California

includes both caves and surrounding habitats rather than only caves

Surface Forms

Hydromantes shastae singular

Hydromantes shastaes plural

Morphology

Hydromantes + shastae

The binomial combines a recognizable genus name 'Hydromantes' (a salamander genus), so a learner who knows that constituent can infer the expression refers to a type of salamander. However 'shastae' is a Latinized species epithet (not an English word) indicating association with Mount Shasta and is not transparently interpretable by a B1 learner; scientific names therefore give a partial clue but require specialized knowledge, making the phrase only semi-transparent.

Etymology

Hydromantes shastae comes from old word parts that point to its habit and home. The part hydro means 'water', mantes is an old word for a kind of creature, and shastae shows it is 'from Mount Shasta'. So the name helps you remember a water-loving salamander that lives near Mount Shasta.