Plethodon sherando Highton, 2004

Taxonomy and Naming

The Big Levels salamander, scientifically named Plethodon sherando Highton, 2004, is a small salamander belonging to the genus Plethodon, within the Plethodon cinereus group that includes the red-backed salamander and its closely related species.

Underside Coloration

Physically, it is most similar to P. cinereus and P. serratus; both of these related species have gray and white, sometimes yellow, coloring on the underside of the body. Plethodon sherando has a greater amount of white pigmentation than gray on its underside.

Dorsal Appearance

Its back is red and gray, and may sometimes have stripes or spots.

Morphological Comparisons

Compared to P. cinereus, P. sherando has longer legs and a slightly wider head.

Holotype Measurements

The holotype of this species is an adult male that measured 95 mm (3.7 in) in total length, and 42 mm (1.7 in) from snout to vent.

General Habitat

Its natural habitats include temperate forests and rocky areas.

Elevational Distribution

At the edge of this species' range, it was found to co-occur with Plethodon cinereus at lower elevations, but it was the only species of small Plethodon found at higher elevations.

Microhabitat Differences

A 2016 study found that P. sherando and P. cinereus occupy significantly different microhabitats: P. sherando lives in habitats with warmer air temperature but cooler substrate temperatures, while P. cinereus lives in habitats with higher relative humidity and cooler air temperatures.