Southern Two-Lined Salamander

Scientific Name: Eurycea cirrigera
Photo Credit: Kevin Stohlgren

The southern two-lined salamander has a yellow to orange body with dark side stripes that usually extend down the tail and fade gradually into the belly. Its back often shows scattered black spots, and its coloration is generally duller than the similar Blue Ridge two-lined salamander. Found throughout most of North Carolina except the Blue Ridge Mountains and parts of the northern coastal plain, this semi-aquatic species lives around streams, seeps, and other wet areas. It feeds mainly on small invertebrates but sometimes eats smaller salamanders. Breeding occurs in late winter or spring, with females guarding eggs laid in water; hatchlings remain aquatic with gills for about two years before becoming adults.

Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.