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Spring Salamander

Spring salamander is a species of salamander belonging to the family Plethodontidae, found in Canada and the United States. The species is mainly nocturnal. There are four recognized subspecies of this species.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Subphylum Vertebrata
    Class Amphibia
    Order Caudata
    Family Plethodontidae
    Genus Gyrinophilus
    Scientific Name Gyrinophilus porphyriticus


    Other Names Purple salamander
    Size 12 – 19 cm
    Color Salmon to yellowish brown upper surface with bits of red with small dark spots; faded peach color belly; a light line bordered below by a dark line starts from the eye and extends to the nostril
    Distribution Canada and the United States
    Habitat Temperate forests, rivers, swamps, freshwater springs, freshwater marshes, inland karsts, caves
    Diet Insects, worms, other small invertebrates, other salamanders
    Predators Fishes, snakes, birds
    Breeding Season Middle of October through the winter months
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 11 to 100 eggs
    Incubation Period 2 to 3 months
    Metamorphosis Period 3 to 4 years
    Reproductive Age 3 to 4 years of age
    Average Lifespan 18.5 years in captivity
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Spring Salamander Pictures Gallery

    Published on March 12th 2017 by under Salamanders. Article was last reviewed on 30th September 2019.

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