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The difference between Lizards and Salamanders
Salamanders and Newts |
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| Salamander books and field guides | ||||||||
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| Salamanders of New York State - Identification Guide | ||||||||
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Allegheny Dusky Salamander |
Identifying characteristics:
A lungless salamander with highly variable coloring (brown,
gray, olive, yellow or orange. Usually identified by a
lightly-colored line that runs from its eye to the bottom of
the jaw. Most specimens also have a lightly-colored, broad
stripe that runs down the back through the tail. This stripe
is variable in color and looks like a series of V-shapes.
period The stripe may be subtle in older specimens. Their
bellies are a lighter color than their backs. Their tail is
about half their total length and has no prominent keel. Size: Average body length of 3.5 inches. Habitat: Temperate forest floors, where the ground is wet, or near springs or creeks. High rainfall. Stationary, rarely moving more than a meter from its home. Often found under logs and rocks, but is a good climber and will often climb a short distance up a tree or small bush. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects such as beetles, and fly larvae. Reproduction: Eggs are laid in the crevasses of rocks or other debris in water. Larvae inhabit slow moving sections of streams. They develop into adults in a matter of weeks. Other Info.: Primarily nocturnal. |
Distribution Status: none
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Blue-spotted Salamander
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Identifying characteristics:
Like the
Jefferson Salamander, the Blue-spotted Salamander
has the same long, slender body and tail (about 40% of its
total length). The tail is round, until the last third
where it becomes laterally flattened. The bluish/black body of
this species tends to be fleshier than the Jefferson, with
shorter legs and a stubbier snout. As indicated by their
name, they have blue spots and speckles on their side, limbs
and belly (and sometimes on their back). Size: Average body length of 3-5 inches. Habitat: This mole salamander lives most of its life underground. Temperate forest floors with sandy soil and plenty of moisture. They can often be found under rocks or logs. Unlike most salamanders, they can be found above ground during the summer. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae (especially mosquito larvae), spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: They breed in woodland ponds or pools, where the female lays eggs underneath submerged debris. Larvae hatch a month later and remain aquatic until they mature into adults. Other Info.: Primarily nocturnal. Will wave its tail over its body when threatened. The tail secretes a foul-tasting substance and can detach if grabbed. They may mate with the Jefferson Salamander and produce hybrids. |
Distribution
Status:
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Common Mudpuppy
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AKA: Waterdog Identifying characteristics: Mudpuppies are neotenic salamanders, meaning that their body never matures into an adult. They maintain the characteristics of salamander larvae. Their large, stout body-size in combination with their bushy, red external gills make them easy to identify. The mudpuppy's color varies from grey to brown to black, with darker blue/black spotting. The belly is a lighter shade and also may have spotting. There are usually dark stripes running across the face through the eyes. The legs appear small compared to the body, but are well developed. Their tail is laterally flattened. Size: Average body length of 10-11 inches. Habitat: Aquatic habitats such as rivers, streams, ponds and lakes with abundant debris (for hiding and laying eggs). Prefers shallow water. Food: Carnivorous. Crayfish, insects and larvae, fish, worms and snails. Reproduction: Eggs are laid in a cavity below a rock or log. Eggs hatch within 8 weeks. Other Info.: Primarily nocturnal. Mudpuppies are active throughout the year and do not hibernate. They can live for up to 20 years. Those that inhabit slow-moving water tend to have larger gills than those who live in fast-moving water. |
Distribution Status: none
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Eastern Hellbender |
Identifying characteristics:
America's largest aquatic salamander is easily identified by
its broad, wrinkly body and odd body shape. Often gray,
brown or black in color, the body is dorsally flattened, but
the tail is laterally flattened. Similar to the Mudpuppy,
the Hellbender doesn't fully develop into the typical adult
salamander form. Unlike the mudpuppy, the Hellbender does
not have external gills. The legs are well-developed and
used for locomotion on river bottoms. Size: Average body length of 18 inches. Some reaching over 2 feet. Habitat: Aquatic habitats such as rivers and streams, that are fast-running, have abundant debris, are oxygen rich and clear of pollutants. There are only 2 known areas in NY where they still remain. Food: Carnivorous. Crayfish, Insects and larvae, fish, worms and snails. Reproduction: Unlike most salamanders, its eggs are fertilized externally, like frogs. Eggs are laid in a cavity below a rock or log and they hatch 2-3 months later. Larvae have external gills and resemble other larval salamanders, but lose the gills, start to flatten and develop skin folds as they develop. Other Info.: The hellbender has no gills and the lungs only aid in buoyancy control. The wrinkled skin provides it with more surface area, helping it breathe through its skin. Unfortunately, this also means it needs lots of oxygen in the water. Hellbenders are solitary and highly aggressive to each other. Nocturnal. Uses suction action to capture some prey. |
Distribution
Status: Special
Concern
in NY State due to pollution and reduced aquatic oxygen
levels.
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Four-toed Salamander |
Identifying characteristics:
A small, slender body that is usually rust-colored to
grayish brown. Sometimes has bluish/black speckles
throughout the body. The belly is ivory white and may
also have speckles. The hind feet have only 4 toes, while
most salamanders have 5. There is constriction of the width
of the tail at the base. The tail is nearly 60% of its
total body length. Size: Average body length of 2 to 4 inches. Habitat: Mature forests adjacent to wetlands (for breeding and moisture). Forest habitats must have a well-developed canopy (for shade) and plenty of debris (for hiding and foraging). Water bodies such as bogs and temporary swamps and pools are preferred for breeding as they are often void of fish. They can be often found under rocks, logs, bark and sometimes poolside moss. Food: Carnivorous. Insects and their larvae, spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: Females will lay their eggs on or under plant matter (leaves, grass, moss) just above the water. Eggs hatch a month to two later and the larvae wiggle their way towards the water where they take about a month to mature. Other Info.: When confronted, they may raise their head, wave their tail, and secrete a mild skin toxin. They also have the unique ability to voluntarily detach their tail, leaving it behind as they dash away. They have an interesting courtship behavior, initiated by rubbing their noses together. |
Distribution Status: None
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Jefferson Salamander |
Identifying characteristics: Like the
Blue-spotted Salamander , the Jefferson has the same long, slender body and tail (about 40% of its
total length), but has longer and stronger legs
and toes. The Jefferson also has a wider head and pointy
snout. Although the Jefferson may have similar blue spotting, the spots are less distinct and not
always present. The body color is brown or bluish gray. Its
tail is round, until the last third where it is laterally
flattened. Size: Average body length of 3-5 inches. Habitat: This mole salamander lives most of its life underground. Temperate forest floors with sandy soil and plenty of moisture. They can often be found under rocks or logs. Unlike most salamanders, they can be found above ground during the summer. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae, spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: They breed in temporary woodland ponds or pools, where the females lay eggs at the bottom of submerged debris. Larvae hatch up to 5 months later and remain aquatic until they mature into adults. Other Info.: The Jefferson will wave its tail over its body when threatened. The tail secretes a foul-tasting substance and can detach if grabbed. Primarily nocturnal. The Jefferson may mate with the Blue-spotted Salamander and produce hybrids. |
Distribution
Status:
Status:
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Longtail Salamander |
Identifying characteristics:
This lung-less salamander is very easy to identify by its
long and slender bright yellow to orange to red body and
long tail (over 60% of its body length). Younger specimens
may have short tails. They most often have black spotting
throughout the body and in some cases just along the sides.
Sometimes abundant spotting on the sides of the body will
look like banding rather than spots. Size: Average body length of 4-6 inches. Habitat: Damp terrestrial. Near rocky streams or wetlands and in damp caves. Often found in areas with lots of loose limestone or shale rock. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae, spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: Eggs are laid under rocks in streams. Larvae may take up to 2 years to mature. Other Info.: Nocturnal. Breathe through their skin and mouth lining. |
Distribution
Status:
Status:
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Marbled Salamander |
AKA: Banded
salamander Identifying characteristics: A medium-sized salamander with a robust brown-to-black body crisscrossed with silvery-white bands. The tail is relatively short for a salamander (40% of their total length). Their legs are short with 4 toes on their forelegs and five on their hind legs. Size: Average body length of 3.5-4 inches. Males are smaller than females. Habitat: This mole salamander lives most of its life underground. Damp terrestrial. They prefer woodlands close to ponds and streams, but also inhabit wet sands or rocky area. They can sometimes be found on dry hillsides. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae, spiders, snails, slugs, and amphibian larvae. Reproduction: Unlike other mole salamanders, the Marbled salamander does not breed in water, rather it climbs out of burrows in late summer and breeds on land. The female lays the eggs in a depression, ditch or dry/semi-dry pond, and then remains with the eggs until the autumn rains flood the area. If this flooding does not happen, the female will leave and hibernate and the eggs will remain dormant until the spring (that is if it doesn't get too cold). Other Info.: Primarily nocturnal. Since this species is active at night and spends most of its time underground, it is rarely seen outside of the breeding season. |
Distribution Status: None
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Northern Dusky Salamander |
Identifying characteristics:
This salamander's color is highly variable, coming in
yellow, red, grey, brown and black. Most often they are
brown with dark spots. They can be identified by their relatively
short, laterally-compressed keeled tail and pale line that
runs from the eye to the back of the jaw. The hind legs tend
to be larger than the front ones. A lighter-colored
dorsal band (from head through tail), and dark spots may
also be present on the back of the salamander. Size: Average body length of 3-5 inches. Habitat: Damp terrestrial. Near rocky streams or wetlands and in damp caves. Prefers limestone rock. Often near slow-moving, small amounts of water, but rarely in it. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae, spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: Lays eggs in moss, rocks or logs. Larvae hatch within 5-9 weeks and can take 6 months to a year to mature. Other Info.: Primarily nocturnal. A lung-less salamander that breathes through its skin and mouth lining. |
Distribution Status: None
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Northern Red Salamander |
Identifying characteristics:
A relatively large, stout lung-less salamander that is
typically red or orange, with black spotting. Older
specimens may have a less striking color, typically a
dull purplish-brown.
The hind limbs have 5 toes, the forelimbs have 4. Costal
grooves (that look like rib grooves) are present. Size: Average body length of 4-6 inches. Habitat: Semi-aquatic. Fully aquatic in winter. They prefer damp wooded areas with clean running streams and plenty of debris. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae, spiders, snails, slugs and smaller salamanders. This salamander has a projectile tongue that is used to snare prey. Reproduction: Eggs are laid under submerged rocks or logs. Larvae hatch a few months later and take 2-3 years to mature. Other Info.: Primarily Nocturnal. When threatened, it will curl up and wave its tail above its head. Red Salamanders may secrete a substance toxic to some animals. |
Distribution Status: None
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Northern Redback Salamander |
Identifying characteristics:
This salamander is easy to identify by its dark (reddish-gray or
black) colored body and broad reddish-orange dorsal stripe
(from neck through tail). Although some specimens may lack
this stripe (or it may be faint), its mottling of light and dark gray
on its belly
is always present. The body shape is flattened and the legs
are short with thick toes. Costal grooves (look like rib
grooves) are present. Size: Average body length of 3-5 inches. Habitat: Damp terrestrial. Prefers deciduous forests. Often found in leaf litter, under rocks or logs, or within burrows. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and their larvae, spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: Lays eggs under rocks, within underground cavities or downed/rotting logs. Mothers stay with the clutch until it hatches. Young are completely terrestrial and are small versions of the adult form. Other Info.: Primarily nocturnal. This is a lung-less salamander that breathes through its skin and mouth lining. |
Distribution Status: None |
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Northern Slimy Salamander
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Identifying characteristics:
A black lung-less salamander that is speckled with white or
silver spots. Costal grooves (similar to rib grooves) are
present. They secrete slime through their skin when handled. Size: Average body length of 5-6.5 inches. Habitat: Damp terrestrial, wooded areas. Often found in leaf litter, under rocks or logs, or within the burrows of other animals. Hot or dry temperatures drive them underground. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and their larvae. Especially ants and beetles. Reproduction: Eggs are laid under moist terrestrial debris or in crevasses in caves. The mother stays with the clutch to protect it. The eggs hatch 3 months later. Juveniles are terrestrial, resembling small adults. Other Info.: Primarily nocturnal. During courtship, the spots of the male may flush red. They are named for their slimy skin secretions that deter predation. The slippery slime allows them to slip away from a predator's grasp. It also has a foul taste. This salamander is lung-less and breathes through its skin and mouth lining. |
Distribution Status: None |
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Northern Spring Salamander |
Identifying characteristics:
A lung-less salamander that is generally orangish/yellowish-brown
or salmon, speckled with black spots on its back. The
coloring tends to dull in older specimens. The
body is stout with a broad nose and keeled tail. Costal
grooves (that look like rib grooves) are present (as with other lung-less salamanders) Size: Average body length of 5-7 inches. Habitat: Semi-Aquatic. Prefers cool and clear mountain streams and springs, and sometimes damp caves. Occasionally they are found under streamside debris or on land during rain. They prefer higher elevations. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and their larvae, spiders, small frogs and other salamanders. Reproduction: Eggs are laid in the crevasses under debris (stones or logs) in water. Larvae inhabit slow moving sections of streams and can take 2-3 years to mature. Other Info.: Primarily nocturnal. When threatened, it will dash into water and swim away. The Spring Salamander may secrete a substance toxic to some animals. |
Distribution Status: None
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Northern Two-lined Salamander |
Identifying characteristics:
Aptly named due to the two narrow black lines that run the length of their
back and tail. A broad mid-dorsal stripe ranges in color from yellow
to light brown (and may be spotted). The two bordering lines
may be broken up into dashes in some specimens. The body color is generally a
mottled yellowish-brown. Tail is laterally compressed.
Costal grooves are present. Size: Average body length of 2.5-3 inches. Habitat: Damp terrestrial. Wooded or open areas with plentiful moisture and debris. They require a close running water source. Often found under leaf litter or streamside debris. Food: Carnivorous. Insects and their larvae, spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: Eggs are laid in the crevasses under debris (stones or logs) in water. The larvae hatch 1-2 months later, remain aquatic, and can take 2-3 years to mature and move to land. Other Info.: Nocturnal. When threatened, may disconnect their tail and dash away. |
Distribution Status: None |
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Red Spotted Newt |
Identifying
characteristics: The Red Spotted Newt is a subspecies of
the Eastern Newt. The Eft, or terrestrial "teenage" form is
bright orange with two rows of red spots with black borders.
The adults are aquatic and have duller, brownish color--sometimes approaching olive. Black-bordered yellow to red
spots may remain. The belly is often yellow with black
specks. Size: Average body length of 2.5-5.5 inches. Habitat: Semi-aquatic. Adults and juveniles spend most of their time in vernal pools. If the pools dry up they may burrow in mud. Efts, or "teens" are terrestrial and prefer damp woodland with plenty of leaf cover. Efts can be found under leaves during or after periods of rain. Food: Carnivorous. Insects and their larvae, spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: Eggs are laid in the crevasses under debris (stones or logs) in water. Larvae hatch 3-8 weeks later, develop into Efts and leave water. The Eft may take up to 3 years to mature into an adult, when they return to water. Other Info.: Nocturnal. The terrestrial form hibernates in winter, though aquatic forms will stay active all year. |
Distribution Status: None
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Spotted Salamander |
Identifying
characteristics: A stout salamander with a black or gray
body and two rows of large yellow spots running from head to
tail. Some specimens may not have any spots at all. The
belly is purplish-gray or sometimes black and may have
light speckling. One or more skin folds on bottom of the neck. Size: Average body length of 6-7 inches. Habitat: Terrestrial. Preferring damp, mature woodland habitats with plenty of ground cover and access to vernal pools. Food: Carnivorous. Insects and their larvae, spiders, snails, slugs and earthworms. Reproduction: They breed in woodland ponds or pools, where the females lay eggs at the bottom of submerged debris. Larvae hatch a month later and remain aquatic until they mature into adults. Other Info.: Nocturnal. Since this species lives in mature woodlands, their numbers are diminishing due to deforestation. |
Distribution Status: None
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Wehrle's Salamander |
Identifying characteristics:
A slender salamander with a bluish-gray or dark brown body
with white or yellow speckles on the back and sides. The
underside is a solid gray. The tail is tubular with no
flattening and the hind feet are distinctly webbed. Costal
grooves are present. Size: Average body length of 4-5.5 inches. Habitat: Upland forests and woodlands with plenty of debris or rock crevices. Can be found under rocks or in rock crevices. Food: Carnivorous. Insects and larvae, spiders. Reproduction: Eggs are laid in damp rotting logs, moss, in caves or soil. Larvae are not aquatic. Other Info.: Nocturnal. This species is very rare in NY and only a few populations are found in western NY. |
Distribution Status: exotic |
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A special thanks to Andrew Hoffman and Jonathan Mays whose generosity and amazing photos made this guide possible. |
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