A small woodland salamander with a distinctive zigzag pattern down the back (red on dark phase) or a uniformly dark "leadback" phase.

Native status: Native to eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 7–10 cm
Weight2–5 g
LifespanWild 6–10 years
OrderCaudata
FamilyPlethodontidae

§ Encyclopedia

The northern zigzag salamander is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to the eastern United States and has been found in Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. The northern zigzag salamander's natural habitat includes temperate forests, rocky areas, and caves. It is threatened by habitat loss.

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

§ Identification

Field marks. Small dark salamander; "zigzag" morph has wavy red-orange stripe down back; "leadback" morph is solid dark gray.

Similar species. Eastern Red-backed Salamander (range overlap; nearly identical leadback morph). Other Plethodon species.

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small invertebrates.

Behavior. Two color morphs (zigzag and leadback) of the same species are common across eastern North America. Color morph determined genetically; both morphs occur in same populations. Common in eastern forest leaf litter.

§ Range

Eastern US (especially Appalachian region)

§ Habitat

Rocky hillsides, talus slopes, mature forests

§ Threats

Forest fragmentation, mountaintop mining, deer overbrowsing.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern zigzag salamander is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support mountain forest protection. Oppose surface mining. Maintain rocky talus undisturbed.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

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