Cow Knob Salamander
Plethodon punctatus
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photos by Jeff Humphries
Great North Mtn., Hardy Co., West Virginia
Species Description: A large plethodontid salamander
with white or yellow flecks on the sides, legs, and cheeks. Its head
is flattened dorso-ventrally and the throat is light in color. Similar
species include the slimy salamander
(P. glutinosus) which has flecks on its back, a darker throat, and a more rounded head. The white-spotted slimy (P. cylinderaceus) may also occur with the cow knob, but also has flecking on its back and a rounded head.
Range: The cow knob salamander is restricted to only the
highest peaks of Shenandoah and North Mountains
Comments: This is probably one of West Virginia's rarest salamanders, due to its very specific habitat and elevational requirements. Populations are geographically isolated from each other. |