Identification
The
Northern Two-lined Salamander is small and slender, with small legs. A broad
yellow, greenish-yellow, or tan stripe extends from head to tail, and is bordered
by uneven black lines. The light dorsal stripe is often marked with a row of
dark spots or flecks. The sides of the body are usually yellowish with some
dark mottling, and the belly is typically yellow. Adults may grow to lengths
of 6.4-12.1 cm (2.5-4.8 in) and have 15-16 grooves on the sides of the body
(costal grooves). Male Northern Two-lined Salamanders have a groove from the
nose to mouth, and two cirri that project beyond the mouth.
Distribution and Status
The range of the Northern Two-lined Salamander extends from southern Quebec
and New Brunswick south through New England and into northern Virginia and west
to northeast Ohio. Within the Midwest, the Northern Two-lined Salamander is
only found in Ohio.
Ecology
Living close to flowing water, both in woodland and open areas, the Northern
Two-Lined Salamander can be found under rocks, logs, or leaf mats. During winter
months they will retreat underground.
Threats
and Management Issues
Despite their ability to survive in a wider range of habitat than some salamanders, the Northern Two-lined Salamander often falls victim to many animals, and is sometimes used as bait by humans. While most populations are considered stable, land alteration practices and pollution have the potential to cause population declines.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Reference guides and websites specific to Amphibians.
Links to more information on the Northern Two-lined Salamander Salamander outside the Herp Center
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
US Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Watershed Radio: Sensitive Indicators of Environmental Quality (Smithsonian Institution/Sierra Club)
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499