Scientific Name: Plethodon hoffmani
Size: 3-5.3 inches (8-13.5 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern

Habitat Type:Deciduous or mixed hardwood-conifer forest on hillsides and ridges or valley floors, near valley streams.

Colorations:

• The dorsal background color is brownish-black to black with small scattered white and silvery to brassy spots and flecks. Flecking is more common on the dorsal with white spots being more numours on the sides.
• The ventral is black and finely mottled with brown and white.
• The throat is lighter that the belly.

Characteristics:

• Small to medium-sized, slender species.
• The body is very elongate and wormlike.
• The legs are short and slender.
• The tail is long, round, and tapered.
• The head is distinct from the body.
• 20-21 costal grooves.

Juvenile coloration and characteristics:

• Juveniles and hatchlings are similar to adults with a lighter mottling on a lighter ventral.

Confused with:

• Ravine Salamander
• Redback Salamander (lead-phased)

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults

Range Map:

References:

• Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 108-112pp.
• Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 361-363pp.

Photo Credits:

• Tom Diez
• Jeff Slawson