Dixie Caverns Salamander
Plethodon dixi
It grows to a length of about 3.9 to 6.7 inches. It has a shiny blackish gray coloration with big black blotches and tiny white dots scattered across the full spectrum of…
How to identify
It grows to a length of about 3.9 to 6.7 inches. It has a shiny blackish gray coloration with big black blotches and tiny white dots scattered across the full spectrum of its body. It has a broad head with big bulging eyes on it. The belly is solid gray with white and yellow patches on the throat and upper chest. The tail is longer than its body and its four limbs are fingered.
Range
The Dixie Caverns salamander is endemic to the state of Virginia.
Habitat
The Dixie Caverns salamander dwells in caves, crevices of rocks and under logs where it hides away from the middle sun. The oviparous organism breeds during fall to spring and lays a large clutch of eggs during summer in damp soil and logs. Breeding is irregular or biennial. They feed on small invertebrates.
Similar species
The Wehrle's salamander or Plethodon wehrlei is blackish blue with yellow and white blotches. The Dixie Caverns salamander was once classified under this species until very recently. The southern Appalachian salamander or Plethodon teyahalee has a glossy bluish black coloration with white spots. The red-cheeked salamander or Plethodon jordani has a uniform gray coloration with a bright red,yellow or orange patch on the side of its head.
Name and etymology
Dixi: Belonging to Dixie.
At a glance
Range
The Dixie Caverns salamander is endemic to the state of Virginia.
Habitat
The Dixie Caverns salamander dwells in caves, crevices of rocks and under logs where it hides away from the middle sun. The o…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap