(Gyrinophilus porphyriticus porphyriticus-
Northern Spring Salamander)
(Gyrinophilus porphyriticus danielsi-
Blue Ridge Spring Salamander)
(Gyrinophilus porphyriticus dunni-
Carolina Spring Salamander)
Description: 4.5-7.5 in. (12.1-19 cm). Coloration of the body
is light brown to reddish. There is a light line from eye to nostril.
Sometimes dark gray markings are visible on body. The Northern Spring Salamander
is yellowish brown with small black spots on belly and throat. The
Blue Ridge Spring Salamander has black spots on the back. The Carolina
Spring Salamander is orange-yellow to reddish and has dark flecks on body.
The Blue Ridge and Carolina Spring Salamander both have a distinctive white
line from eye to nostril.
Habitat: Usually found in cool springs, mountain streams or
brooks in the mountains of North Carolina. This species is common
under wet logs, stones or leaf litter.
Habits: This species feeds on other salamanders, large insects,
and worms. They hide under ground cover during the day and forage
at night. Breeding occurs in July and August. Females do not
reproduce until they are 5 yrs. old.
Young: Females lay 20-60 eggs that hatch after 3 months in the water.
The larvae have some purple ground color until they reach reproductive age.
