Range
Lower elevations of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Habitats
Pine woods, forests, open fields, wet woods, and swamps. Generally stays in burrows near breeding ponds.
Identification
Dorsum either brown or black with a gray or brown venter. White spots displayed on sides of body. When larvae hatch, they display yellow stripes on lateral flanks and brown color is more uniform than it is on adults. Males and females mate from late fall to early spring; females lay eggs in vegetation or shallow water. Eggs can be laid single or in chains of up to six.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians