West Virginia Spring Salamander
Gyrinophilus subterraneus
The West Virginia spring salamander grows to about 7.5 inches. It is light brown with white spots on the full length of its body. It has external gills and its tail is st…
How to identify
The West Virginia spring salamander grows to about 7.5 inches. It is light brown with white spots on the full length of its body. It has external gills and its tail is stubby. Its limbs are slender and its skin is shiny. Two eyes are located on either side of its head. Its underbelly is plain and an almost lighter or pinkish shade of its dorsal color.
Range
Their range is strictly confined to the General Davis Cave of Greenbrier County in West Virginia, USA.
Habitat
They are found only in the passage systems of the General Davis Cave of Greenbrier County in West Virginia that have a lot of decaying organic matter. They feed on invertebrates available in the cave system. Reproduction is oviparous and aquatic.
Similar species
The spring salamander or Gyrinophilus porphyriticus grow between 5 to 9 inches. Its coloration ranges from brown to pinkish and reddish. The Tennessee cave salamander or Gyrinophilus palleucus has a color that ranges from tan to pinkish. It has external gills and is paedomorphic. The Berry Cave salamander or Gyrinophilus gulolineatus is a larger salamander with more pigmentation, a spatulate snout and a broader head.
Name and etymology
Subterraneus: Latin for dwelling (-aneus) underground (subterra).
At a glance
Range
Their range is strictly confined to the General Davis Cave of Greenbrier County in West Virginia, USA.
Habitat
They are found only in the passage systems of the General Davis Cave of Greenbrier County in West Virginia that have a lot of…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap