<<Back to Northwest Herps Van Dyke Salamander is Small to medium sized salamander (grows up to 10 cm total length). Has large glands on the sides of the back of the head (called: parotid glands). There are three colors variants to this species: rose/salmon-pink, yellow/orange, and yellow striped with black sides.
Most noted the Adult males have yellow throat patches.
Plethodon Vandykei salamanders usually live under rocks, logs, along stream banks, but also spend some time in large fallen, decaying logs. Populations occur in patches at low to mid elevations.
In coastal areas, they are often most abundant in old forest stands that have complex stand structure and moderate to high levels of woody debris and colluvial rock present. It has also been reported from forested talus, upland sites, and in cave entrances. Interestingly, small populations survived in the Mount Saint Helens' blast zone; these were probably protected by their subterranean refugia and heavy snowpack. Large decaying conifer logs near streams appear to be important habitat for nests.
The color pattern variation in Van Dyke salamanders may be related to elevation and associated features, such as local climate. In eastern red-backed salamanders (in the eastern US), the color changes that occur with increasing elevation and latitude are correlated with environmental temperature. (Noted from Washington State University)
These salamanders occur in apparently isolated populations. They appear to lay eggs inside large, fallen decaying logs, and therefore may be restricted to older forests that have such fallen logs. Disturbance of these habitats by clear-cutting or removal of fallen dead wood can cause local extinction of populations.
Blessing et al. (1999), Brodie (1970), Herrington (1988), Jones (1999), Nussbaum et al. (1983), Leonard et al. (1993), Wilson et al. 1995.
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/herp/pvandyke.htm
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/herp/index.htm?=4plva.htm
National Audubon Society (North America)
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| Species Details |
Size: 10 cm total length
Regions: Cascade Mountains of southern Washington and northern Oregon. Washington, it occurs from the Columbia River Gorge to just north of Snoqualmie Pass.
Breeding: Sexual maturity is reached at about 45 mm snout-vent length. Only six nests have been described. The eggs were laid in small clusters within cavities in decaying logs. Typical of Woodland Salamanders, a female attended the eggs until development was complete. There is no free-living larval period; eggs hatch into fully formed miniature salamanders.
Alerts: Van Dyke's Salamander may be harmed by alterations to the riparian habitats where it resides. Unaltered riparian corridors along all stream types, especially along 1st to 3rd order streams, should be maintained. Additional upland buffers would most likely benefit this species. Large woody debris, in various stages of decay, should be maintained near streams.
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