Gyrinophilus porphyriticus
Spring Salamander
Identification
The Spring Salamander is one of the larger salamanders in Vermont; it can grow to 8 inches long. It is salmon-pink to reddish with black mottling. White lines outlined in black run from their eyes to their nostrils. Their tails are laterally compressed (like a fish) and all of their legs are thick and strong.
Spring Salamanders lay 16-160 eggs attached to the underside of rocks in the water.
Range/Habitat
The Spring Salamander requires well-oxygenated, cold, clear streams or springs. On rainy nights they often feed on land in the vicinity of the steam.
The Spring Salamander is found statewide in or near mountains.
Status
Spring salamanders have a state natural heritage rank of S4 (relatively common). Please report sightings of this species in Vermont if you have not reported them within the last five years from a given location. Any natural history observations (feeding, migrations, road crossing areas, early or late season appearance, abnormalities, etc.) are appreciated. Photographs are always helpful, particularly if your report is the first report of this species from a town.
More Info
- Gyrinophilus porphyriticus at Animal Diversity website
- Gyrinophilus porphyriticus at Amphibiaweb
- Gyrinophilus porphyriticus at the CARCNET website
- Gyrinophilus porphyriticus at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History website
Species summary written by Kaile Burgess.
Gyrinophilus porphyriticus egg mass
Photo taken by J. Andrews.