Northern Spring Salamander

Scientific Name: Gyrinophilus porphyriticus
Size: 4.5-7.5 inches (12-21 cm) in length

Habitat Type:
Cool springs, spring seeps, and fast-flowing mountain streams with rocky substrate.

Colorations:

The color and pattern differs with age.
The dorsal background color is salmon to pinkish orange with diffused black strokes or spots that may form a reticulated pattern. Older individuals the color becomes a reddish brown to deep purplish brown with little or no pattern.
The sides are lighter than the back and are mottled.
The lower sides and ventral surfaces are pale pink to beige; small spots may appear on older individuals.
The canthus rostralis has a light line that extends from the eye to the tip of the snout and often paralleled by a faint grey to black line below.

Characteristics:

Large, robust heavy bodied species.
The legs are well-developed.
The tail is short and laterally compressed with a strong keel.
The head is large and well-developed.
The noticeably light canthus rostralis is a raised ridge that extends from the eyes to the snout.
17-19 costal grooves.

Larvae coloration and characteristics:

The body proportions are similar to adults, but the head is somewhat larger and the tail fin is more laterally compressed.
The dorsal background color is yellowish white, light grey to lavender with purplish brown reticulations or dark maculations.
The vertebral strip is well developed and clearly present in young larvae.
The sites and ventral are immaculate yellowish white.
The snout is long and truncated.

Hatchlings coloration and characteristics:

Confused with:

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults

Larvae

Range Map:

References:

Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 93-96pp.
Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 282-298pp.

Photo Credits:

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