Scientific Name – Gyrinophilus porphyriticus

Classification – Plethodontidae

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 12 – 19 cm

 Speed – Fast creatures

Life Expectancy – 18.5 years in captivity

Breeding Season – Middle of October through the winter months

Incubation Period – 2 to 3 months

Special Features – One of the largest species in the family of lungless salamanders; have a stout body with a broad nose; have toxic, cutaneous secretions to defend against predators

Family Unit – Male and female meet only during the breeding season otherwise solitary

Geographical Distribution – Canada and United States

World Population – Unknown, but considered to be more than 10,000

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Natural Habitat – Temperate forests, rivers, swamps, freshwater springs, freshwater marshes, inland karsts, caves

Diet – Insects, worms, other small invertebrates, other salamanders

Predators – Fishes such as trout, snakes, birds