Range
Wide-ranging in the eastern United States, from southern Pennsylvania and New Jersey down the Atlantic coast to central Florida, west along the Gulf coast to southeastern Louisiana, and stretching inland throughout eastern Tennessee, most of Kentucky, and southern Ohio.
Habitats
Like most salamanders, this species is often found hiding under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. It prefers moist habitats around streams, swamps, bogs, or water seepage areas at lower elevations.
Identification
A very stocky salamander with a wide face and a very short snout. It has short, stubby legs and 16-17 costal grooves. It averages 8-16 cm in total length and has gold colored irises. Depending on subspecies and locality, they are either orange or red with black spots, or drab grey-brown with speckles or spots.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians