Discover Maryland's Herps

Field Guide to Maryland's Salamanders and Newts
(Order Caudata)

Northern Spring Salamander
(Gyrinophilus porphyriticus porphyriticus)

Photo 1: Adult photo of Northern Spring Salamander courtesy of Lori Erb
Adult Photo of Northern Spring Salamander courtesy of Lori Erb

Size

  • 4 ¾ - 7 ½ in. 

  • Record – 8 ⅝ in.

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    Appearance

  • A large lungless salamander. 

  • Stout-bodied with a keeled tail. 

  • Almond to brownish pink or orange or reddish brown. 

  • Variable patterns may be muted, darker shades. 

  • A light line runs from eye to nostril along a raised ridge.

    • Habitat photo for Northern Spring Salamander courtesy of Matt Kline
    Habitat Photo for Northern Spring Salamander courtesy of Matt Kline

    Habitat

  • Springs, shaded seepages, mountain brooks, wet caves and depressions. 

  • Small headwater streams that lack predatory fish.

  • These animals may move farther from their aquatic home range after rainstorms. 

  • Between 300 and 6,600 feet in elevation.

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    Maryland Distribution Map
    Maryland Distribution Map of Northern Spring Salamander

    Return to Field Guide to Maryland Salamanders

    Maryland Amphibian
    and Reptile Atlas Project

    "A Joint Project of the Natural History Society of Maryland, Inc. and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources"

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    The Maryland Herpetology Field Guide is a cooperative effort of the MD Natural Heritage Program and the MD Biological Stream Survey within the Department of Natural Resources and their partners. We wish to thank all who contributed field records, text, and photographs, as well as support throughout its development.