© Mike Graziano
© Paul Sattler
Older juvenile Yonahlossee Salamanders resemble the adults in general coloration. © Will Lattea.
Fact File
Scientific Name: Plethodon yonahlossee
Classification: Amphibian
Conservation Status:
- Species of Greatest Conservation Need-Tier 4a on the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan
Size: Up to 8.75 inches
Distribution: The Yonahlossee Salamander occurs above 1,400 ft. in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains where it reaches its eastern and northern limits in Floyd and Pulaski counties. This species is closely associated with old growth forests, but can also be found in ravines, moist talus slopes, and other habitats with deep leaf litter.
Identifying Characteristics
A broad reddish stripe down the back is characteristic of this species. However, young juveniles lack the stripe, but instead have 4 to 6 pairs of red spots that coalesce with age to form the stripe. The belly is dark, with variable amounts of white mottling.
Did You Know?
In the Southern Appalachians, mountain peaks represent “islands in the sky” as their cool habitat is isolated from other peaks by warmer, low-elevation valleys.
Role in the Web of Life
Yonahlossee Salamanders forage on a variety of invertebrates, but will occasionally take smaller salamanders. Mating occurs in the spring and possibly again in the fall with females depositing approximately 19–27 eggs in the spring.
Conservation
Tier IV Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Virginia’s Wildlife Action Plan.
Last updated: February 22, 2021