Pigeon Mountain Salamander

Plethodon petraeus

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The Plethedon Petraeus is a large terrestrial salamander with a length of 7 inches in total. Its dorsal coloration is tannish, reddish-brown or olive-brown bordered irre…

How to identify

The Plethedon Petraeus is a large terrestrial salamander with a length of 7 inches in total. Its dorsal coloration is tannish, reddish-brown or olive-brown bordered irregularly on the back, head and anterior region pf the tail limited to a small band down the center of the back or on each side of the body. The legs, sides and tail are usually black with white and bright gold-yellow spots of varying shapes and sizes scattered sparsely. The spots, to a lesser degree, are present on the head and black while the underside of the belly and back is black. The Pigeon Mountain Salamander have bluntly-tipped toes on its slightly webbed feet. It is predominantly active during summer and late spring and much more difficult to find during winter as it forages the dark zones of caves.

Range

The Pigeon Mountain Salamander is endemic to Georgia in the United States. This species is found in Pigeon Mountain of the state.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Pigeon Mountain Salamander are caves or rocky areas and temperate forests. This species feeds on beetles and ants. Although very little is known about this salamander’s reproduction, it is believed to lay eggs on land which eventually hatch into juveniles, skipping the aquatic larva stage of common salamanders. The females are larger than the males in size when they mature.

Similar species

Plethodon Glutinosus(Northern Slimy Salamander) is found on about two-thirds of eastern United States. This terrestrial species of Salamander is usually overall black in color with several silvery or gold spots on its back. It ranges from 4.7-6.7 inches in total length and the males don’t have any significant distinguishing feature from the females. Plethodon Punctatus or cow knob Salamander is usually black with white spots scattered on its body. The distinguishing feature of the cow knob is the light pink coloration on its throat, webbed back feet, flattened head and pinkish color on snout. Plethodon Richmondi or Ravine Salamander with a height of 7.5-11.5 cm in length, the adult ravine salamander has short limbs with an appearance like that of a worm. It is dark brown or black dorsally and laterally with silvery or brassy specks.