Flat-Headed Salamander

Range

Small narrow range in the Appalachian mountains of south central Virginia.

Habitats

This species prefers to live in and around cool, shallow, swift-moving streams with lots of shade and ground debris.

Identification

Named for its wide, flat head (reminiscent of a frog's head), this thick-bodied salamander is primarily brown with dark speckling on its back and light speckling on its sides. It has a laterally flattened tail, and a pale ventrum with tan speckles. It has thick hind legs and skinny front legs, 14 costal grooves, and 3-5 intercostal grooves. It may have enlarged cheeks or pointed mental glands under the jaw. It typically has an undefined black spot on the back of its head, and a different shade of brown on its back than on its sides. It averages 2-6 cm in snout to vent length, with males being larger.

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