Small up to 11cm TL. Costal grooves range from 17-19 . Dark brown to black in color, sometimes red. Sides are brown or gray. Dorsal stripe (1/3 width of the body) is orange to red and is widest toward the rear legs. It’s not uncommon to see stripe less individuals. Ventral is mottled black and white.

Similar species: Redback Salamander, separated by range.