Southern Zigzag Salamander

Scientific Name: Plethodon ventralis
Listed:  State Species of Special Concern.
Photo Credit: Todd Pierson

The southern zigzag salamander is dark gray with a jagged yellow to red stripe down the back, though the stripe may be faint in some individuals. Its sides are dark with white speckling, and the belly is gray with occasional red or yellow tint. This rare species is found only in a small part of western North Carolina, living near springs, caves, or rocky areas with cool crevices. It feeds on a variety of forest-floor invertebrates, especially insects. Eggs are laid underground and guarded by the female, with hatchlings emerging as miniature adults without an aquatic larval stage.

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