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Description: The Many-Lined Salamander is a small
(2.5-3.75 in; 6.4-9.5 cm) essentially aquatic species that
is characterized by long dark longitudinal stripes along body.
However, in some specimens, theses stripes may be a series of
spots. The head is small and the tail is usually short and stubby.
Usually brown in coloration, but some yellowish specimens
have been observed. Dark flecks can be observed on the usually
yellow belly.
Range and Habitat: Many-Lined Salamanders are found in
the Coastal Plain of the eastern U.S. from southern Virginia to
northeastern Florida. This species can be found in creek swamps
and blackwater streams and can often be found sharing environs
with other chiefly aquatic species such as Pseudotriton montanus,
Desmognathus auriculatus, and Eurycea quadridigitata.
This species is generally associated with leaf litter or particularly
sphagnum moss mats.
Habits: This secretive species is most often discovered
in sphagnum moss, under decaying organic litter in shallow water,
or under logs at the edges of creek pools in drier conditions.
This is one of the most aquatic stream salamanders in our region
and is seldom found far from the water's edge. Gravid females
lay up to sixty eggs attached to the underside of logs, leaves,
or debris, in the winter. Larvae are aquatic and can remain in
larval stage for up to two years.
Conservation Status: Although uncommon throughout its
range, this species is not protected. This species is probably
vulnerable to degradation of wetlands, small streams, and other
aquatic habitat.
Account Author: Patia M. Connell, University of Georgia
- edited by J.D. Willson
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