Blue Ridge Two-Lined Salamander

Blue Ridge two-lined salamanders, which became their own species in 1987, are commonly found in brooks, streams, and forests throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 

The species is closely related to the southern two-lined salamander. While both species have two distinctive black stripes on their backs, Blue Ridge salamanders are distinguished by their vibrant orange and yellow skin. 

During late winter, the females venture into streams to lay their eggs underneath rocks, leaves, and logs. Hatchlings are born with gills, and spend the first two years of their lives underwater. 

Adult male two-lined salamanders can appear in two distinct ways, called morphs. The first type, called guarding males, have a strong jawbone that they use to defend locations for nesting. Searching males are smaller, and have unique cirri, or tendrils, and other features that release pheromones.