Valley And Ridge Salamander

Range

This species is endemic to the Appalachian Mountains. It is readily found also in northwestern Virginia, eastern West Virginia and western Maryland in the Eastern United States.

Habitats

The natural habitat of this species is hardwood forest in valley and ridge provinces, up to 1,400m in elevation. Places like mountain slopes and ravines are also favored and it seems to like dry conditions. However the valley and ridge salamander stays underground during hot and cold weather conditions. The female’s oviposition occurs in June and hatching of eggs happen in August and September. An adult Plethodon hoffmani is a night forager who makes food of terrestrial insects, worms and other small invertebrates.

Identification

They are small and can grow up to 72mm- 114mm which is their total length. Their tails contribute to half or more than half of their length. They are small and slender and can be confused with the eastern red-backed salamander. Its color is usually deep brown with small scattered white spots and brassy flecks and has white mottling in its dark belly. It has short legs and its toes that look slightly webbed, its tail is long, round and tapered and also its head is distinct from the body.

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