Dwarf Waterdog
Necturus punctatus

The proteids are found mostly in eastern North American, but there is one species known from caves in Europe. All members of this family are perennibranchiate, meaning they retain external gills (a major site of respiration) throughout their lives. The proteids exhibit a reduction in the number of digits: The North American proteids (genus Necturus) have four toes at the end of each limb, and the European genus Proteus has three on the forelimbs, but only two on each of the hindlimbs.

The dwarf waterdog is a medium-sized salamander in its own right (exceeding 6 inches in total length) but fairly small when compared to other proteids, which can exceed three times that length. There are no truly conspicuous markings that aid in diagnosis. In general, the coloration is gray to blue to brown to black with small nondescript spots. Identification of waterdogs and mudpuppies (as larger members of the genus are called) comes from noting the presence of large, often bushy external gills and only four toes on each of the four feet. Waterdogs are, of course, completely aquatic and are most commonly found in slow-moving steams among the leaf litter deposited in the bend and other areas of low flow. Aquatic or semi-aquatic invertebrates (earthworms, insects, and crayfish) make up the bulk of the diet. Using a dipnet to scoop leaf litter in these habitats or setting "minnow traps" is an efficient method of capture.