Webster’s Salamander

Plethodon websteri (State Status: S2; imperiled)

Description

Plethodon websteri, while common in the greater Atlanta, GA area, is only found in a handful of disjunct populations in Mississippi (one population is being monitored and studied in the Jackson area). Their habitat is forested areas, often with rocks or streambeds nearby (Powell et al., 2016). In Mississippi, their habitat is associated with limestone or sandstone formations and outcrops. They are 2-3 inches in length, gray, usually with a reddish or yellowish narrow middorsal marking (similar to P. ventralis). Range separates these two similar species in Mississippi.

Adult Webster’s Salamander from a sandstone slope, Claiborne Co. (MS)

Identifying Traits

  • Gray or dark gray body
  • Reddish or yellowish line on back
  • Light belly with red, orange, or dark mottling
Range

Habitat

Wooded slopes, streamsides (Powell et al., 2016)

Behavior

Generally utilizes natural structures like rocks and logs for shelter

Diet

Various small invertebrates

Spotted variety found in the “Type Clade” in Winston Co. (MS)
Young individual found near a stream, Claiborne Co. (MS)
Dorsal pattern of P. websteri
Adult Plethodon websteri, © Kevin Hutcheson
Aberrant patterns from Winston County, © Tom Mann
Closeup of head (female), Claiborne Co. (MS)
Individual of the Type Clade, Winston Co. (MS)
Adult male Webster’s Salamander, Claiborne Co. (MS) © CJ Hillard
Newly hatched Webster’s Salamander, Claiborne Co. (MS)