[2][3] It is now considered a member of the genus Eurycea, but was originally described as Typhlotriton nereus.

It is thought to have diverged from the southern grotto salamander (E. braggi) during the Late Miocene.

[4] It is found in the southern Ozark Plateau of Missouri and adjacent portions of Arkansas.

[2][4] This is a troglobitic species that has evolved several troglomorphisms such as a pale coloration and reduced eyesight, much like E. spelaea.

Alongside E. spelaea and E. braggi, it is the only blind, troglobitic salamander that undergoes full metamorphosis.