Cheat Mountain Salamander
Plethodon nettingi
Small salamander, growing to a length of 3-4.75 inches. Usually some shade of brown with tiny gold flecks all over. Ventrum is dark grey or black, and they have 17-19 cos…
How to identify
Small salamander, growing to a length of 3-4.75 inches. Usually some shade of brown with tiny gold flecks all over. Ventrum is dark grey or black, and they have 17-19 costal grooves.
Range
Small range in the mountains of the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.
Habitat
Historically limited to red spruce forests, but due to habitat destruction they now live among different types of vegetation. Often found on rocky outcrops, between boulders, or in shaded ravines with dense rhododendron growth. Likes to hide under logs and moist leaf litter, or in cooler areas where mosses and liverworts grow.
Variations
Background color can be light brown to almost black. Gold flecks may be very dense, or sparse, and may be more tan to white.
Similar species
They share habitat with the eastern red-backed salamander (*Plethodon cinereus*), but lack the characteristic dorsal stripe.
Name and etymology
Nettingi: Honoring Morris Graham Netting.
At a glance
Range
Small range in the mountains of the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.
Habitat
Historically limited to red spruce forests, but due to habitat destruction they now live among different types of vegetation.…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap