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.

Description:
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:

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. 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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