Scientific Name: Plethodon wehrlei
Size: 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in length.
PA Status: Abundant

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

Colorations:

• The dorsal background color is brownish black to dark blueish black becoming lighter on the upper region of the jaw with small scattered white flecks on the dorsum; but the dorsum maybe unmarked.
• The sides are heavily mottles with irregular white, bluish white to yellow spots that may be transfused into blotches or irregular bars.
• Behind the shoulder is a distinct red blotch that is more prominent in younger individuals.
• The ventral is grey.
• The throat and upper chest area may be blotched with white or yellow pigment.

Characteristics:

• Moderate sized species.
• The legs are short and well-developed.
• The tail is long, stout and circular in the cross-section and tapers to a point.
• The head is flattened and distinct from the body.
• The hind feet are webbed.
• 17 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. 115-119pp.
• Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 409-411pp.

Photo Credits:

• Tom Diez
• Nicholas Sly
• Melissa ONeal