Description

B. gavilanensis is an elongate slender salamander of moderate length with relatively short limbs. It is similar morphologically to B. attenuatus and B. nigriventis but has a slightly larger body size than either where their geographic ranges approach each other. The head, body and tail are cylindrical in general form, and there is an inconspicuous neck. The head is relatively narrow, but broader than in B. attenuatus and B. nigriventris. The face is small and inconspicuous, and the eyes are only slightly protuberant. The hands and feet are small but the digits are well formed and discrete, with expanded tips that bear subterminal pads. This is a dull grey salamander. There is an impression of a broad dorsal band which is lighter in color, but it is faint. The lateral surfaces are speckled with white.

North of Monterey Bay, this species can be found in sympatry with B. attenuatus. In the southwest corners of its range, sympatry with B. nigriventris has been found. The species is in close proximity to the range of B. luciae along its western limits in the Santa Lucia Mountains and although the two species are found within a few hundred meters of each other and sympatry is expected, they have not be found in sympatry and no hybrids are known.

See another account at californiaherps.com.