Wehrle’s salamanders (Plethodon wehrlei) are a species of lungless salamander endemic to the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States. They are found in only a few areas, including western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia. Wehrle’s salamanders are distinguished by their unique coloration and spots which vary from individual to individual. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at these fascinating creatures and discuss why it is important that we protect them.
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How to Care for a Wehrle’s Salamander?
Wehrle’s salamanders are relatively easy to care for in captivity, but they do require some specialized attention. Before you attempt to keep one of these creatures as a pet, make sure you understand what their needs are and how best to provide them with the environment they need to thrive.
Wehrle’s salamanders are carnivorous, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as worms and insects. They can also be fed frozen or live food, but should not be overfed as this can cause health problems.
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The Appearance of Wehrle’s Salamanders
Wehrle’s salamanders are typically brown or grayish-brown in color with black blotches on their backs and sides. Their bellies can range from yellowish-brown to bright orange or red in color with darker spots surrounding each ventral spot. They have short legs and long tails, as well as webbed feet with four toes on each foot. Adults measure between 3-5 inches long while juveniles measure around 1 inch long when they first hatch.
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Habits and Habitats of Wehrle’s Salamanders
Wehrle’s salamanders prefer moist environments such as leaf litter or mossy rocks along mountain streams or creeks where they can hide during the day. They feed mainly on small invertebrates such as worms, insects, spiders, millipedes, and snails which they catch using their sticky tongues. At night they often venture out into open areas such as roadsides or trails in search of food.
Conservation Status and Threats to Wehrle’s Salamanders
Wehrle’s salamanders were listed as a federally endangered species in 1988 due to habitat destruction caused by logging operations and road construction projects within their range. The use of herbicides has also been linked to declines in their population size due to contamination of water sources which then affects the availability of prey items for the salamanders. Other threats include overcollection for the pet trade and climate change which has led to increased temperatures that can be damaging to these cold-blooded animals.
Behavior
Wehrle’s Salamanders are diurnal animals, meaning they are most active during the day. They also prefer humid environments and like to hide in logs or under rocks during the day. At night they come out to feed on ants, millipedes, spiders, beetles, and other small invertebrates.
A good substrate for these salamanders is sphagnum moss or peat moss mixed with vermiculite for drainage purposes. The terrarium should also include a water dish that can be refilled regularly with dechlorinated water.
Health & Lifespan
Wehrle’s are very hardy salamanders if given the right care and attention. Make sure to provide them with plenty of food and monitor their environment closely when setting up their terrarium – too much humidity can cause health problems such as fungal infections or respiratory issues in amphibians. These salamanders can live up to 15 years if their habitat conditions remain optimal throughout their lives.
Breeding Habits of Wehrle’s Salamander
Whether you live in the North or South of America, Wehrle’s salamanders are fascinating creatures to keep as pets – particularly if you want to breed them! Knowing when they mate is essential information for anyone who wants to successfully raise these animals in their terrariums. By understanding their breeding habits—including mating periods, spermatophores production, and egg-laying behavior—you can ensure that your Wehrles’s salamanders are healthy and thriving all year round!
Mating Periods in Northern Regions
Wehrle’s salamanders typically mate during the spring months between late February and early June. During this time, males will establish a territory and defend it from other males by biting or wrestling. Once a male has established his territory, he will then court females with complex courtship behaviors. This includes bobbing his head up and down, flicking his tail, doing push-ups on the ground, and vibrating his gular region (the area just below the chin).
Spermatophores and Egg Laying
Once a female has been courted successfully by a male, she will lay her eggs in shallow water or wet moss inside his territory. The male will then fertilize those eggs with spermatophores—structures made up of sperm packets that are released from the male’s cloaca (a multipurpose opening at the base of the tail). Afterward, both parents abandon their young ones once they have hatched from their eggs.
Mating Periods in Southern Regions
Like northern regions, southern regions see similar mating periods between late February and early June for Wehrle’s salamanders. However, due to warmer climates found in the South, there may be an additional period of mating activity between late August and early October as well. As such, southern populations may have twice as many offspring compared to northern populations each year because they can produce two litters rather than one.
What do Wehrle’s Salamanders Eat?
Wehrle’s salamanders are omnivorous animals. This means that they eat both plant material as well as small insects. The best diet for these creatures consists of live food like worms, crickets, and mealworms, as well as leafy greens like kale or spinach. They also enjoy eating fruits like cantaloupe and strawberries, but should not be given any form of citrus fruit since it can cause stomach upset in these animals.
In the wild, these salamanders will also eat carrion (dead animal matter). This should not be included in their diet if you plan on keeping them as pets since it may contain bacteria that could harm them if consumed. It is important to note that many pet stores sell small mice as food for these salamanders; however, this is not recommended since they are too large for most specimens and can potentially cause internal damage if ingested.
How Often Should You Feed Your Wehrle’s Salamander?
It is best to feed your Wehrle’s salamander every other day or so. Depending on their size, you can give them anywhere from two to four worms or crickets per feeding session. These animals do not need large amounts of food at once; in fact, too much food can lead to obesity which can have serious health implications for them over time. Fruits and vegetables should only make up a small portion of their diet—around 10-15%—so make sure you keep this in mind when feeding your pet!
Creating the Perfect Home for Wehrle’s Salamander
These unique amphibians are a great addition to any terrarium, as they are docile and easy to care for. If you’re looking to bring one into your home, here’s what you’ll need to know about creating the perfect housing environment for your Wehrle’s Salamander.
Climate
Wehrle’s Salamanders prefer cool temperatures with high humidity. They should be kept in an area where temperatures range between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity should remain at around 70-80%. To help maintain these optimal conditions, you can use a substrate heater and install a misting system or fogger in your terrarium. Humidity levels should be monitored regularly using a hydrometer, and temperatures should be checked daily with an accurate thermometer.
Substrate
When selecting substrate for your Wehrle’s Salamander, make sure it is one that will retain moisture while also providing good drainage. A combination of sphagnum moss and soil is ideal, as this provides both moisture retention and proper drainage. You may also opt for peat moss or coco fiber if those are more readily available in your area. Toss some rocks or pieces of wood into the substrate so that your salamander has plenty of places to hide when it feels threatened. Make sure that whatever substrate you choose is free of any chemicals or contaminants that could harm your pet salamander.
Decorations & Accessories
Your salamander will feel most comfortable if there are plenty of places for it to hide and explore within its terrarium. Live plants will add some greenery to its living space while also providing natural hiding spots for it to explore and play in when it wants some quiet time away from you (the keeper).
Finally, make sure there is plenty of water available for drinking; either through purchasing a small bowl or installing a water feature like a waterfall or bubbler pump into the tank itself! This will ensure that your pet stays properly hydrated throughout the day!
Conclusion
Wehrle’s salamander is a unique species endemic to certain parts of Appalachia that is, unfortunately, facing serious threats due to human activities like deforestation and development along with other environmental changes like climate change. It is important that we work together to ensure that these special animals remain protected so future generations will get a chance to appreciate them too! Conservation measures such as limiting access for overcollection and establishing protected areas where logging is not allowed can help us do our part in preserving this endangered species for years to come.