Identification- 5-8 in. (12.7-20.3 cm) SVL 3-4.5" (7.6-11.4 cm) A large robust salamander with a strongly keeled tail and a well-developed naso-labial groove. The ground color varies but is usually a salmon red to wine red. The back and sides are usually mottling with lighter shades of red to white. A light line runs parallel to the naso-labial groove on each side of the face. The belly is lighter. There are 17-19 costal grooves.
    Similar Species- Red and Mud Salamanders are much brighter red with numerous black spots.

Range- Found throughout New York and Pennsylvania.  It is unrecorded from extreme northern New York (along the Canadian border) and the Southwest corner of Pennsylvania. Although it is found throughout this range the habitat requirements restrict its actual distribution.
 

Habitat- Rocky springs and streams under a forested canopy are the favored habitats. Spring Salamanders are strong swimmers and are often found under large flat rocks along the shores of the rocky creeks they call their home. They are seldom found in habitats other than rocky forested streams, but on wet nights Spring Salamanders may be found wandering far from their usual territories in search of food.

Reproduction- The Spring Salamander mates in the fall with oviposition occurring in late spring to July the following year. 11-100 eggs are attached singly to the undersurface of a submerged or log. The female tends the nest. Larvae hatch late summer to fall and are .75" (1.9 cm) long. Metamorphosis takes place in 2-3 years when the larvae are 4" (10.2 cm) in length.

General Characteristics-
These salamanders are one of the largest lungless salamanders in the world. Despite their size they are very nimble. Spring salamanders are also very slimy and difficult to hold onto, so use a net. Their principle food is arthropods, but it is often cited that they will eat other salamanders. Members of the genus Desmognathus seem to be a favorite and any stream which holds Northern Duskies (Desmognathus f. fuscus) probably hides at least a few of these monstrous salamanders. In the past they were referred to as "Purple Salamanders."