Aneides lugubris is 6.5–10 cm (2.6–3.9 in) SVL (snout-vent length),[6] with plain purplish-brown coloring, usually spotted dorsally with gold or yellow, although it may also be unspotted.

This behavior has been observed in which the Arboreal Salamander uses its body to create a controlled and directional fall to minimize injury when climbing trees.

The adult salamanders stay near their eggs to shield them from predators and environmental hazards, demonstrating parental care and increasing the hatchlings' chances of survival.

[4] They spend most of their time under leaf litter of the forest ground, and during summer inside tree cavities to stay moist.

Their genus, Aneides, is characterized by their loss of the aquatic larval stage common in salamanders and their more unique arboreal and climbing tendency.

These salamanders are located in Humboldt County, North Baja California, and offshore islands of South Farallon, Los Coronados, Catalina, Ano Nuevo, and San Francisco.

[11] Aneides lugubris will lay eggs in the holes of live oak trees, or under rocks, logs, or other cover on the ground beneath the dirt.