Valley and ridge salamander
A species of Woodland salamanders Scientific name : Plethodon hoffmani Genus : Woodland salamanders
Valley and ridge salamander, A species of Woodland salamanders
Scientific name: Plethodon hoffmani
Genus: Woodland salamanders
Content
Description General Info
Photo By northgardenherper , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The valley and ridge salamander (Plethodon hoffmani) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae endemic to the Appalachian Mountains in the Eastern United States.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Valley and ridge salamander species predominantly consumes small invertebrates, favoring ants and beetles. It leverages its adept climbing abilities to forage for spiders and soft-bodied insects in the vegetation.
Appearance
Valley and ridge salamander is a small-sized salamander with a slim, elongated body and smooth skin. It is primarily dark brown or black, often with an irregular pattern of white spots on its back and sides. Males and females look similar. One distinctive feature is its short, round tail. This species lacks obvious external differences related to age or gender.
Behavior
Valley and ridge salamander is a nocturnal creature, primarily solitary except during mating season. They remain hidden under rocks or leaf litter during the day, emerging at night to hunt invertebrates. Extraordinarily territorial, they employ complex chemosensory behaviors to delineate and defend their spaces. Valley and ridge salamander's survival is aided by its cryptic coloring, aiding its nocturnal activities.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Lungless salamanders Genus
Woodland salamanders Species
Valley and ridge salamander 
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