Description: A large (3.0 to 7.0 inches in length), stout-bodied species with an orange-brown to reddish-brown dorsum covered with round, well-separated black spots on the back and sides. Young specimens are brightly colored, whereas older ones can develop into chocolate colors. The belly is a distinctly lighter orangish color, sometimes with dark flecking. Eyes are black or dark brown..

Habitat: Found in springs, seeps, and creeks. Much of the life of this animal is probably spent underground in burrows, making sightings of this species rare.

Range: Range encompasses southern Ohio, southwestern West Virginia, much of Kentucky, western Virginia, and central and eastern Tennessee. Elevational range extends to at least 477 meters in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Found in these States: GA | KY | OH | TN | VA | WV

Diet: Small invertebrates, especially worms; and smaller salamanders.

Reproduction: Little data exists; however breeding is known to occur in aquatic habitats during the fall. It is estimated that 70-190 eggs are laid by the female in an underground cavity. Hatching is believed to occur in late winter. The larval stage lasts from 15-30 months.

Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Taxonomy: Taxonomic Swap 138976 (Committed on 02-06-2024): Pseudotriton montanus diastictus replaced with Pseudotriton diastictus.