Northern Ravine Salamander

Scientific Name: Plethodon electromorphus
Size: 3-5.6 inches (7.5-14.4 cm) in length
Status: Species of special concern

Habitat:
Steep, heavy wooded ravines with small to medium-sized streams.

Description:
Small, thin and elongate species. The background color is brownish black to black and flecked with a varying amount of fine silvery white to golden specks. The underside and throat are brownish black to black with finely mottled white spots that give the ventral a grey appearance.

Adult Coloration:
  • The dorsal background color is brownish black to black and flecked with a varying amount of fine silvery white to golden specks.
  • The ventral and throat are brownish black to black with finely mottled white spots that give the ventral a grey appearance.
Adult Characteristics:
  • Small, thin and elongate species.
  • The body is elongate and wormlike.
  • The legs are short and slender.
  • The head is moderately distinct from the body.
  • The tail is long, rounded and tapers to a point.
  • 19-22 costal grooves.
Juvenile Characteristics:
  • The dorsal is light grey and maculated with silvery to gold flecks.
  • The ventral is brown and finely mottled.
Range:

Juvenile Gallery:

May be Confused With:
References:
  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 112-115pp.
  • Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 392-397pp.
Credits:
  • Jason Poston
  • Carl Brune
  • Andrew Hoffman
  • David Antis
  • Phillip Hong-Barco

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