Peaks of Otter Salamander

Plethodon hubrichti

Peaks of Otter Salamander

POSA

Status

The Peaks of Otter Salamander is state listed in Virginia as a species of special concern.

Reasons for Current Status

The Peaks of Otter Salamander is endemic to the state of Virginia and restricted in distribution. Its habitat is within the Blue Ridge Parkway but needs to be monitored closely.

Description

The Peaks of Otter Salamander is a slender, black to dark brown woodland salamander (8.1–13.1 cm), with abundant, brassy spots or blotches on the dorsum. The sides and venter are uniformly dark gray to black.

Distribution

This species has a very restricted range in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It is found between mile posts 78 and 84 along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford, Botetourt and Rockbridge counties, Virginia (Highton 1971; Dodd 1979).

Habitat

Plethodon hubrichti inhabits cool, moist, hardwood forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The forests are comprised principally of oak species, Rhododendron, yellow birch, and hemlock. This salamander is found typically under rocks, logs, and surface debris.

Special Requirements

The Peaks of Otter Salamander requires cool, moist habitat with adequate ground cover in the form of rocks and logs.

Breeding Habits

The life history of this salamander is not well known. Females deposit about ten eggs in May or June under or in a decaying log.

Food Habits

The diet is comprised primarily of small insects and other small invertebrates including spiders and earthworms.

Management Suggestions

Most of its present habitat is contained within the properties of the Blue Ridge Parkway and/or The George Washington National Forest. The habitat adjacent in public lands should be protected from logging and commercial development. Any construction along the Parkway (widening and new turn-offs) would be detrimental to the species.

Additional References

Highton 1986b; Martof and others 1980.