Wehrle’s Salamander

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
Wehrle’s Salamander - By: Tom Diez Wehrle’s Salamander - By: Tom Diez Wehrle’s Salamander - By: Tom Diez
Wehrle\'s Salamander - By: Nicholas Sly Wehrle\'s Salamander - By: Nicholas Sly

Juveniles
Wehrle’s Salamander - By: Tom Diez

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