Imitator Salamander

Range

From eastern Tennessee to western North Carolina.

Habitats

Inhabit slow, small water sources like streams and seepage pools. Stay under natural debris like leaves and on moist surfaces like wet rocks and moist forest floors.

Identification

Dorsum ranges from brown to brown black in color with a curved dark brown stripe. Venter is usually blackish gray. Displays a cylindrical tail and 14 costal grooves. Females usually lay cream-colored eggs in monolayers under debris or in rock crevices; clutches typically include 13 to 30 eggs. Larvae display a dark color and light spots which can be orange or brown colored.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians