Cheat Mountain Salamander

Cheat Mountain Salamander (Plethodon nettingi)

Cheat Mountain Salamanders are similar in size to Red-backed Salamanders but have a uniformly dark brown or black dorsum that is usually dotted with numerous brassy or white flecks.  They lack a dorsal stripe.  Their undersides are uniformly dark gray to black.

 Nesting activities are similar to the Red-backed Salamander. 

 Cheat Mountain Salamanders are endemic to West Virginia and a federally protected species.  They typically inhabit red spruce and yellow birch forests in higher elevations of Grant, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph, and Tucker counties.