Gyrinophilus porphyriticius
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Amphibia |
| Order: Urodela |
| Family: Plethodontidae |
| Genus: Gyrinophilus |
| Species: Gyrinophilus porphyriticus |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Northern spring salamanders range from orange-brown to red-yellow to a vibrant salmon color. The back is speckled with darker black markings, with a pale white line from eye to nostril. As one of the largest stream-dwelling salamanders in the region, they can grow up to 5-7 inches in length.
Habitat & Range
Spring salamanders live in rocky streams and springs, but can also be found in leaf litter and logs in the surrouding forests. They require areas with clean and well-oxygenated water that are far away from any disturbances.
Behavior
Spring salamanders are hidden away during the day, but are active at night in search of food. Due to their considerable size, spring salamanders are known to consume other salamanders, including their own kind, as part of their diet.
Life Cycle
Spring salamanders typically breed from late autum and winter. Females lay their eggs the summer after the mating period, and remain with them until they hatch. Compared to other salamanders, they have a longer larval period and will remain in this stage for several years before reaching maturity.
Featured image by John Wilson.