Baby Salamander

[MelissaFlipski]

I found a salamander last weekend. We kept him for a few days then let him go.

Today, I found three of them under two different boards, one of which was a baby! Here he is on my hand. He was faster than the adults but only about 1" long. I held him for 3 minutes then put him back where I found him.

[joepythons]

He is just a little guy/gal lol

[MelissaFlipski]

He is just a little guy/gal lol

Yes, miniature! I was amazed. Still waiting for something more than salamanders or the early (in rehab) black rat snake though.

[Shelby]

Looks like a newt.. they're really cute aren't they?

[python.princess]

what a weird little tail!

[MelissaFlipski]

Yeah, very weird tail. I don't know if it's from an injury or something to do with being a baby.

I did further research. Boy, is it hard to ID these little fellas. It is driving me crazy and burning up time! First, I thought it was a "Valley and Ridge Salamander," given what the adults I found looked like.

http://www.marshall.edu/herp/Salaman...i-virginia.htm

http://www.amazilia.net/images/Herps...Salamander.htm

But now, I wonder if it could possibly be a Four-Toed Salamander (4 toes on rear feet), which is supposed to be in the next county over. Here are two pictures of the first adult I found on 3/29. One is a general shot of him on my son's arm. The next is a close up of his rear legs. Tell me what you think. Thanks!




I have emailed a professor at Marshall University to ask for help identifying it.

Thanks for pushing me to learn, Shelby!