[2] The distinct lineages present characteristic color variations, corresponding with the mountain range where found.

Their habitat is mixed deciduous woodland particularly on north facing slopes near wet seeps.

Breeding takes place in the late autumn, winter and early spring in burrows in scree and caves.

About sixteen eggs are brooded by the female and hatch directly into juvenile salamanders without any intervening larval stage.

The juveniles occupy the same habitat as the adults and both feed among the leaf litter on small invertebrates such as insects and their larvae, worms and spiders.

This is not unprecedented, as P. fourchensis was considered as part of P. ouachitae until genetic differences found in 1979 warranted the distinction of P.