Northern Ravine Salamander
Plethodon electromorphus
A slender salamander with a long tail that averages about 6 inches in total length. It has small, skinny legs, and a grey or brown body with tiny light speckles which are…
How to identify
A slender salamander with a long tail that averages about 6 inches in total length. It has small, skinny legs, and a grey or brown body with tiny light speckles which are more prevalent on its sides. Its ventrum is slightly lighter in color, and also has whitish speckles or blotches.
Range
Ranges throughout most of Ohio, and adjacent areas of West Virginia, Kentucky, southwestern Pennsylvania, and southeastern Indiana.
Habitat
This species prefers rocky habitats on forested slopes. It avoids excess moisture or extremely dry areas. Often found on talus slopes, and rarely takes cover under anything besides rocks.
Variations
Color varies from medium grey to dark brown or almost black. Speckles may be faint or very obvious.
Similar species
Most akin to the southern ravine salamander (*Plethodon richmondi*) which has a neighboring range to the south.
Name and etymology
Genus
Plethodon
Greek for full of (plethore) teeth (odon).
Origin
Sources
- Tschudi, "1838" 1839. reprinted in Classif. Batr., Mem. Soc. Sci. Nat. Neuchatel, p. 92 ↗
Plethodon. Tschudi, "1838" 1839 - reprinted in Classif. Batr., Mem. Soc. Sci. Nat. Neuchatel, p. 92
Species epithet
electromorphus
Meaning electrophoresis change (Greek - morphus).
Origin
Sources
- Highton, 1999
Plethodon virginia. Highton, 1999
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Ranges throughout most of Ohio, and adjacent areas of West Virginia, Kentucky, southwestern Pennsylvania, and southeastern In…
Habitat
This species prefers rocky habitats on forested slopes. It avoids excess moisture or extremely dry areas. Often found on talu…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap