Northern Spring Salamander (G. porphyriticus porphyriticus)
Description: This large, robust salamander ranges in color from salmon to reddish-brown to purplish-brown, with a translucent white underbelly. The snout appears “square” when viewed from above and the salamander has well-defined grooves near its eyes to its snout. The tail is laterally flattened with a fin-like tip. Young spring salamanders are lighter in color and have small gills. Their coloration does not have deeper reddish tints until adulthood. Total length ranges from 5 to 7.5 inches.
Habitat: Spring salamanders require very clean, cool, and well-oxygenated water. They can be found in streams, brooks, and seepage areas. Preferred habitat lies within steep, rocky hemlock forests. This species is intolerant to disturbances.
Range: Northern Spring Salamanders (G. p. porphyriticus) are found throughout most of New England, New York, and Pennsylvania, and in portions of Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.
Diet: Insects, worms, spiders, crustaceans, small invertebrates, and other salamanders make up the diet of spring salamanders
Reproduction: Breeding occurs in spring, and larvae can hatch from April through June. Larvae and young salamanders share the same habitats as adults. The larval stage is estimated to last 4 years, with sexual maturity occurring after 4 to 6 years.
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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