Spring Salamander

The spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. The generic name, Gyrinophilus, means "tadpole lover" and refers to the long period of time it spends as a gilled larva before maturing. The specific name, porphyriticus, is Latin from Greek, meaning the color of porphyry, a purple stone, and this salamander has also been called the purple salamander. It is found in Canada and the United States. Its natural habitats are...