Fourche Mountain Salamander
Plethodon fourchensis
A somewhat thick-bodied salamander that reaches 6-8 cm in snout to vent length. It has a very flattened head with large bulging eyes. Its dorsum is dark grey with various…
How to identify
A somewhat thick-bodied salamander that reaches 6-8 cm in snout to vent length. It has a very flattened head with large bulging eyes. Its dorsum is dark grey with various-sized white or cream blotches all over, which are more numerous on the salamander's sides than on its back. Its ventrum is dark with few light spots, and its throat is pale. It has long, well-developed legs.
Range
Very small range in the mountains of west-central Arkansas, within Ouachita National Forest.
Habitat
This species is most often found in ravines and on north-facing slopes at high elevations in deciduous woodland mountain forests. It often takes cover under rocks, logs, and other forest floor debris.
Variations
Little variation in appearance, other than density of white blotches.
Similar species
Most likely to be mistaken for the Caddo Mountain salamander (*Plethodon caddoensis*) or western slimy salamander (*Plethodon albagula*) which both overlap in range. It also looks a lot like several species of salamanders that range further east in the Appalachian Mountains, such as the northern slimy salamander (*Plethodon glutinosus*), Cumberland Plateau salamander (*Plethodon kentucki*), Chattahoochee slimy salamander (*Plethodon chattahoochee*), or Mississippi slimy salamander (*Plethodon mississippi*).
Name and etymology
Fourchensis: Belonging to the Fourche Mountains
At a glance
Range
Very small range in the mountains of west-central Arkansas, within Ouachita National Forest.
Habitat
This species is most often found in ravines and on north-facing slopes at high elevations in deciduous woodland mountain fore…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap