Fact File
Scientific Name: Eurycea wilderae
Classification: Amphibian
Conservation Status:
- Species of Greatest Conservation Need-Tier 3a on the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan
Size: Up to 4.5 inches
Distribution: Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamander is a high elevation species known from Washington, Smyth, Carroll, and Grayson counties in southwestern Virginia. They inhabit streams in the fall to early spring. During the summer, it is not uncommon to find them dispersed into the surrounding forest.
Identifying Characteristics
Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamanders are bright yellow to orange, with two dark stripes, one running down either side and onto the tail. The dark stripe extends less than half way down the tail before breaking into short dashes and spots.
Did You Know?
The Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamander was once considered a subspecies of the Northern Two-lined Salamander.
Role in the Web of Life
Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamanders forage at night for small invertebrates. Mating occurs in the fall and early spring when they congregate at streams. Females attach their white eggs to the underside of rocks in the stream and remain with them until they hatch in the late spring to summer.
Conservation
Tier III Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Virginia’s Wildlife Action Plan.
Last updated: February 22, 2021