| Species | Plethodon vandykei Van Denburgh |
| Family | Plethodontidae (Lungless Salamanders) |
| Status | State Candidate, USFWS Species of Concern |
| State Rank | S3 |
| Global Rank | G3 |
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A small, striped salamander, usually less than 60 mm snout-vent length and 100 mm total length. The color on the sides can be dark ("dark-phase"), dull yellow ("yellow-phase") or pinkish to red ("rose-phase") in adults. Collectively, the yellow- and red-phase (which may be difficult to distinguish) is known as "light-phase." Juveniles are similar to adults but are always dark-phase, with a distinct yellow or reddish dorsal stripe. Dark-phase animals possess a yellow throat patch. Compared to our other Woodland Salamanders (Plethodon species), this species is relatively stocky and long legged. It has slightly webbed toes and inconspicuous parotoid glands. The costal groove count is usually 14. 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. See Photos Page.
The presence of nasolabial grooves separates Lungless Salamanders from other types of salamanders. The following traits separate the Van Dyke's Salamander from the other Woodland Salamanders (Plethodon species) in Washington: 1) the dorsal stripe usually appears to have "drips" of the color extending partially down the sides, 2) the costal groove count is usually 14, and rarely 15, 3) there are 1-1/2 to 3 costal folds between adpressed limbs, 3) darker individuals and juveniles have a yellow throat patch, and 5) there are parotoid glands present. The parotoid glands and slightly webbed toes may not be obvious to the novice. The lack of a constriction at the base of the tail distinguishes stripeless Van Dyke's Salamanders from Ensatina (provided the Ensatina does not have a regenerating tail). See Key Features Page.
Most surface activity takes place in the spring after snowmelt and before summer drought and in the fall after the onset of fall rains and before temperatures approach freezing. More specifically, most surface activity occurs when soil moisture is high (moist or wet) and soil temperatures are between 4 degrees to 14 degrees C. Because this species may occupy wet habitats, it is sometimes surface active even in the summer. Nests found on the Olympic Peninsula (elevations below 700 meters) were laid in early May and development was completed by early October. Females brood and guard the eggs during the summer.
This species is endemic to western Washington. It occurs in the Northwest Coast and Western Cascades Ecoregions with three isolated populations occupying the Olympic Peninsula, the Willapa Hills and the south Cascades Range. See Distribution Map.
Van Dyke's Salamander is usually associated with streams, seepages, and rock outcrops. 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.
Van Dyke's Salamander is one of relatively few vertebrate species endemic to Washington. It is at risk due to its limited distribution and apparently small, isolated assemblage of populations.
Information is needed on natural history including distribution, population dynamics and life history. Research is needed on seasonal habitat affinities and the effects of roads and forest practices on the species' habitat and its populations.
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.
Dunn’s & Van Dyke’s Salamander Study – This study is a retrospective study that addresses the landscape and local distribution of terrestrial amphibians in timber-managed landscapes. Dunn’s salamander (Plethodon dunni) and Van Dyke’s salamander (Plethodon vandykei), two Forests and Fish Agreement (Ffr) target species, are the focus of the study. A major study focus is the pattern of associated of terrestrial amphibian with woody debris and how that may vary with other landscape and local variables. The study is intended to inform what further adaptive management may be required to address terrestrial amphibians in timber-managed landscapes. Funding is through the Cooperative Monitoring Evaluation and Research (CMER) Committee, the Adaptive Management arm of Ffr, and numerous stakeholders (major and minor private landowners, state and federal agencies, tribes, and an environmental caucus) support this study.
Blessing et al. (1999), Brodie (1970), Herrington (1988), Jones (1999), Nussbaum et al. (1983), Leonard et al. (1993), Wilson et al. 1995.
Personal communications: M. Hayes, L.L.C. Jones
Hallock, L.A. and McAllister, K.R. 2005. Van Dyke's Salamander. Washington Herp Atlas. http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/herp/
Last updated: February 2005