A medium-sized salamander of clean spring streams.

Native status: Native to eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 13–22 cm
Weight8–24 g
LifespanWild 15–25 years
OrderCaudata
FamilyPlethodontidae

§ Encyclopedia

The spring salamander is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is found in Canada and the United States. The genus, Gyrinophilus, means "tadpole lover" and refers to the long period of time it spends as a gilled larva before maturing. The specific epithet, porphyriticus, is Latin from Greek, meaning the color of porphyry, a purple stone, and this salamander has also been called the purple salamander.

Source: Wikipedia — Spring salamander Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Stout reddish-brown salamander; pale belly; broad flat head; muscular tail.

Similar species. Red Salamander (more uniform red). Other large stream salamanders.

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic invertebrates, smaller salamanders.

Behavior. Among the largest stream salamanders in eastern North America. Lives in cold clear seepage streams and brooks.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Cold spring streams

§ Threats

Spring habitat degradation.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the northern spring salamander is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support clean cool stream conservation.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

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