Fact File
Scientific Name: Eurycea bislineata
Classification: Amphibian
Size: Up to 5 inches
Distribution: Occurs north of a line running east/ west from the border of Albemarle and Greene counties, including onto the Eastern Shore. From fall to spring, Northern Two-lined Salamanders can be found under cover along the banks of forested streams and seeps. In summer, they disperse into and forage for invertebrates in the floodplains of those streams.
Identifying Characteristics
Northern Two-lined Salamanders are yellow to tan with two dark stripes, one down each side of the body and onto the tail before breaking into short discontinuous lines. The belly is light yellow and translucent.
Did You Know?
Northern and Southern Two-lined Salamanders were once considered a single species.
Role in the Web of Life
Northern Two-lined Salamanders forage on a variety of small invertebrates. They mate from fall through spring, when females lay up to 100 white-colored eggs on the underside of rocks in streams, where females remain guarding the eggs until they hatch. Larvae are aquatic and consume small aquatic invertebrates until they metamorphose in the late summer.
Conservation
Species appears to be secure in Virginia.
Last updated: February 22, 2021