Plethodon vandykei Van Denburgh, 1906

Taxonomic Identity

Van Dyke's salamander (Plethodon vandykei Van Denburgh, 1906) has a relatively stocky body and reaches a maximum length of 10 cm.

Body Structure

It has parotoid glands behind its eyes, and broad, slightly webbed feet.

General Coloration

Individuals can have black, yellow, or pink body color, which forms the basis for described color phases.

Dark Phase Base Color

The "dark phase" has a black base body color with a yellow or red stripe running along its back.

Dark Phase Stripe Pattern

This stripe has extensions of color that drop downward along the salamander's sides.

Dark Phase Secondary Markings

Dark phase individuals also have white speckling on their sides and a yellow throat.

Light Phase Coloration

The "light phase" has a tan, yellow, or rose body with an indistinct stripe.

Color Phase Population Distribution

Multiple different color phases can be found within the same population.

Habitat Requirements

These salamanders are completely terrestrial, but they require environments with high soil moisture and cool temperatures.

Activity Periods

They are most active in spring after snow melts, and in fall after the rainy season begins.

Seasonal Sheltering Behavior

They avoid summer heat and the freezing temperatures of winter by sheltering under stones or inside rotting logs.

Breeding Timing

Courtship and egg laying take place in spring.

Clutch Characteristics

Clutch sizes range from 7 to 14 eggs, each measuring around 4 to 5 mm in diameter.

Parental Care

Females stay with the eggs until they hatch in fall.

Development Trait

This species has no larval stage; hatchlings emerge directly as juvenile salamanders.

Geographic Range

Van Dyke's salamander is endemic to western Washington, where it occurs in three separate disjunct areas: the Olympic Peninsula, the Willapa Hills, and the southern Cascade Range.

Population and Habitat Association

Its populations are generally small and isolated, and are most often associated with streams, seepages, and rock outcrops.

Rainfall Association

It is not found on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range or Olympic Range, which reflects its association with high rainfall regions.

Coastal Habitat

In coastal areas, it is mostly found in old forest stands that have moderate to high amounts of woody debris and fractured rock.

Nesting Habitat

Large decaying conifer logs along streams appear to be important nesting habitat for this species.