Identification
This short-legged, slender salamander closely resembles its relative, the Red-backed
Salamander in both size and shape, as well as in certain aspects of its
appearance. The Ravine Salamander is generally dark brown, grey or black, and
is patterned with scattered whitish and bronze speckles. The belly is dark grey
in coloration and is flecked with lighter grey. The chin is pale, and may be
more mottled than the belly. Adults reach lengths of 7.5-14.4 cm (3-5.6 in),
and have 19-22 grooves along the sides of their body (costal grooves). Juveniles
look like smaller versions of adults.
Distribution and Status
The range of the Ravine Salamander extends from western Pennsylvania and West
Virginia west through central Ohio, where it extends to the Great Lakes basin,
and into southeastern Indiana, south through Kentucky and into extreme western
Virginia and northwestern North Carolina. Within the Midwest the Ravine Salamander
is found in both Ohio and Indiana.
Ecology
Hardwood forests with rocky substrates are ideal habitat for the Ravine Salamander.
They prefer to hide beneath flat rocks or in crevices, but in the heat of summer
can move beneath the ground. Interestingly, the Ravine Salamander does not have
an aquatic larval stage. Instead, all larval development is completed within
the egg, and small juveniles hatch directly from the egg, much like lizards
and turtles do.
Threats and Management Issues
Because of its somewhat specific habitat requirements, local Ravine Salamander populations are often affected by deforestation and urbanization.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Reference guides and websites specific to Amphibians.
Links to more information on the Ravine Salamander outside the Herp Center
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
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