Description

Plethodon idahoensis is a darkly colored salamander distinguished by a paler dorsal strip of color. The stripe ranges can be a range of different colors, from yellow to green, orange, or red. A yellow patchis usually present at the throat of most individuals, and additional light flecks of color extend along the sides and limbs. The limbs end in slightly webbed toes. On average, adult P. idahoensis are 45 mm SVL (Wilson and Ohanjanian 2002).

Etymology:

Plethodon idahoensis refers specifically to the state of Idaho, where the type locality was discovered (Wilson and Ohanjanian, 2002).

Although it was originally documented as a distinct species (Slater and Slipp 1940), later literature claimed that Plethodon idahoensis was a subspecies (Lowe 1950) or unnamed geographical group (Brodie 1970) of Plethodon vandykei. Within the past few years, however, research has supported Slater and Slipp's original claim (Howard Seeb and Wallace). Before 1990, however, this species was referred to as P. vandykei idahoensis or P. vandykei, as well as P. idahoensis (Wilson and Ohanjanian 2002).