05/14/2026
Ziggy Played Guitar… but this Ziggy just hangs out at Crystal Onyx! 🎸✨
Meet our resident rockstar, the Northern Zigzag Salamander (Plethodon dorsalis)! While they might not have a band from Mars, they’re definitely the stars of the show here in our cave.
Lately, there is a lot of buzz at Cave City City Hall. With the community's recent win securing a moratorium on the proposed data center, we are reminded of how powerful our community is when we stand up for our fragile karst landscape. Data centers require massive amounts of water and energy, posing major risks to underground water quality and the delicate ecosystems below our feet.
By protecting our groundwater, our community directly protects the habitat of incredible cave-dwelling species. Here’s why our local "Ziggy" is a total icon and worth standing up for:
• Signature Style: ⚡
They get their name from the wavy, "zigzag" pattern on their backs. While they look like the common Red-backed Salamander, those jagged edges are their signature style.
• The Costume Change: 🎭
Sometimes they show up in a "Lead-backed" persona! This dark morph lacks the bright red stripe, looking more like a mysterious, charcoal-colored stage alter-ego that is just as cute.
• No lungs? No problem! 🫁
These amphibians are "lungless." They breathe entirely through their thin, moist skin. This is why a pristine, pollution-free karst environment is vital. Any changes to the water or air quality in the cave can directly harm them, making local conservation efforts a matter of survival!
• Total Access Pass: 🔦
Unlike some species that stick to the "twilight zone" by the entrance, these little ones are comfortable exploring every corner of our half-mile cave.
Safety Reminder (And Fanclub Etiquette!): 🛡️
Remember, their skin is very sensitive to the oils and salts on human hands. Please admire them with your eyes only—no touching the talent! ✨🦎
We are so proud to be part of a community that values education, science, and the protection of our natural wonders. Let's keep working together to keep our cave systems safe, healthy, and loud with life!
Have you seen any salamanders in the cave or on the surface? Share your photos below! 📸
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Photo taken by Rachal Hancock.
