Ravine Salamander
Scientific Name: Plethodon richmondi
Photo Credit: Todd Pierson
The ravine salamander is a slender, dark-colored species with short legs and flecks of silver or brass on its back. It is found only in northwestern North Carolina, favoring rocky, wooded ravines and hillsides at high elevations. Active in spring and fall, it retreats underground during summer and winter, making it hard to find. These salamanders eat various invertebrates and likely lay eggs in underground sites, with hatchlings emerging as miniature adults.
Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.