Lungless Salamander Family

Plethodontidae

The lungless salamander family is the largest family of salamanders, exhibiting the greatest species richness in eastern North America where it most likely originated.   All members of the family are lungless and respiration occurs through a thin moist skin and the lining of the mouth.  Another distinguishing feature of this family is the presence of a nasolabial groove, a small, narrow, gland-lined slit between the nostril and upper lip.  In some species, males develop cirri, downward projections from the nostrils beyond the mouth line, and the nasolabial grooves extend down along these cirri.   Costal grooves in lungless salamanders are very apparent.

Members of the Plethodontidae can be completely terrestrial (laying eggs on land), partly aquatic, or fully aquatic (laying eggs in water).  Lungless salamanders conduct an elaborate courtship.  During the breeding season, males have enlarged vents as well as a mental gland, a courtship gland which develops under the chin.   Males rub and prod females, and females straddle the male’s tail ("tail walk") while the male moves forward and produces a spermatophore (sperm case) for the female to pick up for internal fertilization.  Females coil around and guard eggs during their development.

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