About Plethodon dunni Bishop, 1934
Dunn's salamander (scientific name Plethodon dunni Bishop, 1934) is a moderately sized terrestrial salamander. Adult individuals measure 6–7.5 cm (2.4–3.0 in) in snout–vent length, and 10–15.5 cm (3.9–6.1 in) in total length. Its body is dark brown or black, with a distinct broad yellowish to olive green dorsal stripe that runs from the head to the tail, stopping before the tail tip. Light spots appear on the salamander's sides. Some individual Dunn's salamanders, and even entire populations, are black (a melanistic form). These melanistic populations were previously described as a separate species, Plethodon gordoni, but they are not genetically distinct from ordinary P. dunni, so they are not currently recognized as a separate species. This species has no larval stage; juvenile Dunn's salamanders measure 13–16 mm (0.51–0.63 in) in snout–vent length. The diet of this salamander consists mainly of small invertebrates. Dunn's salamander inhabits a range of moist microhabitats. It can be found along shady, cool streams or seepages in wet, rocky areas, as well as in forests, talus slopes, and moss-covered outcrops. It is often found under rocks, logs, moss, and leaf-litter. This species generally prefers moister microhabitats than sympatric species such as Ensatina or the western red-backed salamander. Dunn's salamander is not considered threatened, due to its relatively wide range and lack of sensitivity to habitat modification such as logging.
