Northern ravine salamander
Species of amphibian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The northern ravine salamander (Plethodon electromorphus) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. The species is endemic to the United States.
| Northern ravine salamander | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Urodela |
| Family: | Plethodontidae |
| Genus: | Plethodon |
| Species: | P. electromorphus |
| Binomial name | |
| Plethodon electromorphus Highton, 1999 | |
Geographic range
The northern ravine salamander has been found in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.[1]
Habitat
Conservation status
The species P. electromorphus is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.[1]
Description
The northern ravine salamander is a small terrestrial salamander, 7.5–11.5 cm (3.0–4.5 in) in total length. It is elongated, slender, and short-legged. Its coloration is brown to nearly black, sprinkled with minute silvery white and bronzy or brassy specks. It has very small, irregular white blotches on the lower sides, and a virtually plain dark belly with a lightly mottled chin.[2]
Taxonomy
The northern ravine salamander was previously considered to be a part of Plethodon richmondi (southern ravine salamander). Electrophoresis, from which the specific name electromorphus is derived, was used to distinguish them.[3]
Behavior
The northern ravine salamander is less aggressive than the more widespread red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus).[4]
