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Valley & Ridge Salamander

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

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

Descripton:
Small to medium-sized, slender species. The 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 numerous on the sides. The underside is black and finely mottled with brown and white. The throat is lighter that the belly.

Adult Coloration:
  • 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.
Adult 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 Characteristics:
  • Juveniles and hatchlings are similar to adults with a lighter mottling on a lighter ventral.
Range:

May be Confused With:
  • Ravine Salamander
  • Redback Salamander (lead-phased)
Adult Gallery:
Valley and Ridge Salamander - By: Tom Diez
Valley and Ridge Salamander - By: Tom Diez
Valley and Ridge Salamander - By: Jeff Slawson
Valley and Ridge Salamander - By: Jeff Slawson
Valley and Ridge Salamander By: Jason Poston
Valley and Ridge Salamander By: Jason Poston
Valley and Ridge Salamander By: Jason Poston
Valley and Ridge Salamander By: Jason Poston
Valley and Ridge Salamander By: Jason Poston
Valley and Ridge Salamander By: Jason Poston
Valley and Ridge Salamander By: Jason Poston
Valley and Ridge Salamander - By Ed Patterson
Valley and Ridge Salamander - By Ed Patterson

Juvenile Gallery:
Valley and Ridge Salamander By: Jason Poston
Valley and Ridge Salamander By: Jason Poston

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.
Credits:
  • Tom Diez
  • Jeff Slawson
  • Jason Poston

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Please contribute your observation of this and other herps to the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey. Your help is needed.

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    Pennsylvania Herp Identification is an educational tool for the public on the reptiles and amphibians found though out Pennsylvania. The project also aims to create knowledge to Pennsylvania residents not only through the internet, but also through interaction with the public, with the help of volunteers in the field to communicate with individuals on a personal level. The site is also here to assist with other herp related questions and personal help with Identification with the simple use of our contact form. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or let us know how the site has helped you.
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  • Recommended Books

    Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast

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