Scientific Name: Plethodon cinereus
Size: 2.2 to 5.0 inches (5.7-12.7 cm) in length
PA Status: Abundant

Habitat Type:
Deciduous, mixed hardwood-conifer, and coniferous forest.

Colorations:

• There are two common color morphs that occur with in most populations.

Striped Morph (red-backed)

• The dorsal has a broad straight ridged middorsal stripe that extends from the head and onto the tail. The middorsal stripe ranges from red, orangish red, light tan, beige, cream to grey; and is bordered on each side by a black stripe that is mottled with white on the lower half of the sides.
• Black spots may occur wit in the middorsal stripe.
• The ventral is strongly mottled with black and white; giving the belly a salt and pepper look.

Unstriped Morph (lead-backed)

• The middorsal strip is absent.
• The dorsal is uniform dark greyish black to black and often has white to brassy flecks.
• The ventral is strongly mottled with black and white; giving the belly a salt and pepper look.

The Red Morph (erythristic)

• This is a less common morph.
• The dorsal, sides and legs are bright red and the color extends on to the belly.

Characteristics:

• Small and relatively slender species.
• The legs are small.
• The body is somewhat rounded.
• The head is slightly distinct from the body.
• The snout is short and truncated.
• The tail is as long as the body, thick and rapidly tapes to a point.
• 18-20 costal grooves.

Juvenile coloration and characteristics:

• Similar to adults.

Confused with:

• Northern Slimy Salamander
• Valley and Ridge Salamander
• Ravine Salamander

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults










Juveniles

Range Map:

References:

• Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 101-106pp.
• Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 335-346pp.

Photo Credits:

• Tom Diez
• Kyle Loucks
• Bob Hamilton
• Wayne Fidler
• Jason Poston