A medium-sized salamander endemic to specific Appalachian forests.

Native status: Native to central Appalachians

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 7–11 cm
Weight2–6 g
LifespanWild 7–10 years
OrderCaudata
FamilyPlethodontidae

§ Encyclopedia

Wehrle's salamander is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to the Eastern United States. It is named in honor of Richard White Wehrle (1852–1937), a jeweler, naturalist, and collector of the holotype.

Source: Wikipedia — Wehrle's salamander Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Slim dark salamander; brown to grayish back; whitish belly; subtle pattern.

Similar species. Other Plethodon species (expert ID required).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small invertebrates.

Behavior. Endemic to central Appalachian forests of WV, VA, KY.

§ Range

Western North Carolina

§ Habitat

High-elevation forests

§ Threats

Forest loss, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the wehrle's salamander is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support southern Appalachian forest conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • Davidson College Herpetology Lab
  • IUCN Red List 2014