Ravine Salamander

Plethodon richmondi

Ravine Salamander

RASA

Status

The Ravine Salamander is common throughout its range.

Description

The Ravine Salamander is a small (7–14.3 cm), long, slender salamander which lacks conspicuous markings. It has small legs which are far apart. The dorsum is dark brown or almost black with scattered silvery or brassy flecks. The venter is uniformally dark except for some light blotches near the throat. Some individuals have red pigment on the cheeks, front legs, and anterior sides of the body.

Distribution

Plethodon richmondi ranges from southwestern Pennsylvania across southern Ohio to extreme southeastern Indiana. It extends south through eastern Kentucky, western Virginia and West Virginia to extreme northeastern Tennessee and northwestern North Carolina.

Habitat

This small salamander inhabits moist forests on the slopes of valleys and ravines, seldom occurring on hilltops and only rarely on the valley floors.

Special Requirements

The Ravine Salamander requires forested slopes and ravines.

Breeding Habits

The reproductive habits of this species are poorly known. This terrestrial salamander has direct development. Females deposit small egg clutches (2–7 eggs) and remain with the eggs until they hatch.

Food Habits

The Ravine Salamander’s diet consists of small invertebrates, especially insects and small spiders.

Management Suggestions

The Ravine Salamander prefers ravines and forested slopes. Forestry practices which disturb these fragile forests should be restricted. Any road construction or similar construction which could lead to excessive runoff and erosion should be avoided. Care should be taken to maintain wide buffers along ravines and slopes if adjacent forests are to be harvested.

Additional References

Nagel 1979; Martof and others 1980; Bishop 1943.