Spring Salamander

Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus)

The dorsal pattern of spring salamanders consists of salmon to pinkish orange color with dark reticulations. They have light lines that extend from the eyes to the nostril.  Their venter is flesh pink and the tail has an obvious keel. They can reach 8 inches in length.

Spring Salamanders occur in cool springs, small streams, fens, and caves.

 Eggs are deposited in the summer under rocks embedded in banks of streams or other aquatic habitats and hatch in late summer or autumn.  Larval period lasts about 3 years.

 There are 2 subspecies of spring salamanders in West Virginia.  Kentucky Spring Salamanders (Gyrinophilus p. duryi) occur in the southwestern part of the state and Northern Spring Salamanders (G. p. porphyriticus) are found throughout the remainder of the state.  Spring salamanders range throughout West Virginia from the lowest to the highest elevations.