About Plethodon richmondi Netting & Mittleman, 1938
Adult Size
An adult ravine salamander (Plethodon richmondi Netting & Mittleman, 1938) reaches a total length of 7.5–11.5 cm (3–4½ inches), including its tail.
Body Form
It has short limbs, and has a somewhat worm-like appearance and movement.
Dorsal And Lateral Coloration
Its dorsal and lateral surfaces are dark brown or black, marked with silvery or brassy flecks.
Ventral Coloration
Unlike other small plethodontids, its ventral surface is dark brown or black.
Geographic Distribution
The ravine salamander is distributed across eastern Kentucky, Ohio, southern West Virginia, western Virginia, northwestern North Carolina, and northeastern Tennessee.
Habitat Type
Its natural habitat is temperate forests, where it prefers the slopes of valleys and ravines.
Microhabitat
This terrestrial species lives among leaf litter, and hides under logs, stones, or stumps.
Seasonal Activity
It hibernates underground during winter, and aestivates at the height of summer.
Reproduction And Development
Eggs of Plethodon richmondi are laid in cracks and crevices, and develop directly into juvenile salamanders without a larval stage in between.
