ExploreAmphibians

Ravine Salamander

Plethodon richmondi

The Ravine Salamander is a small, colorful creature that loves to hide under rocks and leaves. It has smooth skin and can be found in cool, moist places. These little salamanders are fun to spot in the wild!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Ravine Salamander is a slender, dark-bodied amphibian, typically black or dark brown. It has two narrow, often gray or bronze, parallel stripes running down its back. Its tiny limbs and long tail differentiate it from many other salamanders.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyPlethodontidaeGenusPlethodon
Ravine Salamander
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Ravine Salamander

Category

Amphibians

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ravine salamanders are completely terrestrial; they never enter water, even to lay their eggs!

Ravine salamanders can live for over 10 years, a long time for a tiny, lungless amphibian!

These shy creatures are nocturnal, meaning they are most active exploring under moonlight!

They are part of a special group of salamanders that don't have lungs at all!

Special abilities

Ability

Lungless Wonder

Ravine Salamander can breathe entirely through its moist skin and mouth lining, allowing it to thrive in damp, low-oxygen spots.

Ability

Tail Escape Artist

Ravine Salamander can shed its tail when grabbed by a predator, giving it a chance to escape to safety while the tail wiggles.

Ability

Sticky Skin Shield

Ravine Salamander has glands that secrete a sticky, mild toxin, making them unpleasant for predators to try and eat.

Measurements & details

Length
8-12 cm
Weight
0.002-0.005 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
0.5 km/h
Clutch Size
3-17

Diet & Feeding

They munch on tiny insects and other small creepy crawlies found hidden in damp soil and leaf litter.

Primary Foods

  • Springtails
  • Mites
  • Small beetles
  • Ants
  • Insect larvae
  • Tiny worms

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

A common predator in their woodland habitat.

eaten by

Masked Shrew

Sorex cinereus

Shrews are opportunistic predators of small amphibians.

eats

Banded Springtail

Orchesella cincta

A tiny insect they forage for in leaf litter.

eats

Rove Beetle

Staphylinus erythropterus

Larvae and adults of small beetles are part of their diet.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a salamander, be gentle and don’t pick it up too much. They are delicate creatures!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Ravine Salamander?

8-12 cm

How much does Ravine Salamander weigh?

0.002-0.005 kg

How long does Ravine Salamander live?

5-10 years

How fast can Ravine Salamander move?

0.5 km/h

What does Ravine Salamander eat?

They munch on tiny insects and other small creepy crawlies found hidden in damp soil and leaf litter.

Where is Ravine Salamander usually found?

Forests

How does Ravine Salamander hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Ravine Salamander lay?

3-17

Snap Map

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