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Northern ravine salamander

Species of amphibian From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Northern ravine salamander
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The northern ravine salamander (Plethodon electromorphus) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. The species is endemic to the United States.

Quick Facts Conservation status, Scientific classification ...
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Northern Ravine Salamander specimen
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Geographic range

The northern ravine salamander has been found in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.[1]

Habitat

The natural habitats of P. electromorphus are temperate forests and rocky areas.[1]

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]

References

Further reading

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