Kentucky Spring Salamander (G. porphyriticus duryi)
Description: This species has dark spots on back and sides, few, small, and widely separated; usually forming a dorsolateral series, never extending below the level of the legs; venter immaculate; throat never blotched or reticulate, margin of lower jaw with a few small dark dots; light line from eye to near indistinct, only lightly bordered with darker below; internal nares small, oval in outline; length to 164 mm.
Habitat: Adults are most abundant in the headwater sections of small tributaries and small streams that lack fishes, in seepages and caves, and can sometimes be found in roadside ditches. It has been noted that in the Piedmont of South Carolina, populations are associated with springs and small streams in deep ravines covered with mature hardwood forest.
Range: Kentucky Spring Salamanders (G. p. duryi) are found in western West Virginia, northeastern Kentucky, and south-central Ohio, with a single record documented in Tazewell County, Virginia.
Diet: Larvae feed at night. Spring Salamander larvae feed on a variety of prey, including the following invertebrates: oligochaetes, arachnids, isopods, centipedes, crayfish, and insects including mayflies, odonates, stoneflies, and dipterans. Spring Salamanders also will feed on vertebrates including Salamander eggs, two-lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata complex) adults and larvae, and adult Ocoee Salamanders (Desmognathus ocoee). Spring Salamanders are cannibalistic and will feed on smaller conspecific larvae.
Reproduction: Courtship occurs during the winter from December–February. Oviposition occurs during the late spring and summer. Most females lay their eggs during the summer; embryos hatch in late summer or autumn. Few egg masses have been found. Females likely lay their eggs deep in underground recesses in streams and seeps. Females attach their eggs to the undersides of rocks or other cover objects. Egg numbers range from 39–63; clutch sizes vary from 16–106 and are related to female body size. Females brood. Hatchlings range in size from 18–22 mm.
Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution and number of subpopulations, presumed large population size, and remaining suitable habitat across its range.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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