Family: Plethodontidae, Lungless Salamanders view all from this family

Description 4 1/4-8 5/8" (10.8-21.9 cm). One of the largest lungless salamanders. Light bar runs from eye to nostril. Sturdy body and keeled tail. Salmon, brownish-pink, yellowish-brown or orange, or reddish-brown; patterns vary. Often cloudy in appearance, with vague darker markings. Costal grooves, 17-19.

Subspecies Northern (G. p. porphyriticus), mottled or netlike pattern on back; s. Maine southwestward to n. Georgia.
Kentucky (G. p. duryi), back with scattered small black spots; sw. Ohio southeastward to extreme sw. Virginia.
Blue Ridge (G. p. danielsi), distinct pale bar with black line below, back with scattered small black dots; high mountains along North Carolina - Tennessee border.
Carolina (G. p. dunni), distinct pale bar with black line below, back profusely flecked with black; sw. North Carolina to ne. Alabama.

Breeding During warmer months 11-100 eggs are singly attached to undersides of stones in cool water. Larvae hatch late summer or fall when 3/4" (19 mm) long; may reach 4" (10.2 cm) before transforming in 2-3 years.

Habitat Springs, cool and clear mountain brooks, shaded seepages, and wet caves; 300-6,600' (91-2,012 m).

Range S. Quebec and s. Maine to n. Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Discussion Ecology poorly known. At night during downpours, these salamanders may leave their aquatic homes and prowl about for food, including other salamanders.