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| Salamanders and Newts. Salamanders are a large group of amphibians that have slender bodies, short legs and long tails. Their scale-less, moist skin is used for respiration and ties them to wet habitats and some species completely to water. They are able to completely regenerate lost limbs and other organs, as they are the favorite prey of many predators. They may closely resemble lizards, but lack the scales lizards have. Most salamanders have a larval stage similar to that of the tadpole. Newts are a group of salamanders that tend to have brighter colors and live more of their adult lives in water. |
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Allegheny Dusky Salamander
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Identifying characteristics:
A lungless salamander with highly variable coloring (brown,
gray, olive, yellow or orange), commonly identified
by the a light line that runs from 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 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 debris in water. Larvae inhabit slow moving sections of streams. Develop 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 is laterally flattens. 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 some times their back). Size: Average body length of 3-5 inches. Habitat: Temperate forest floors with sandy soil and plenty of moisture. They can often be found under rocks or logs. Unlike most salamanders, they can often be found above ground during the summer. This mole salamander lives most of its life underground. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae (especially mosquito larvae), spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: They breed in woodland ponds or pools, where the females lays eggs at the bottom of submerged debris. Larvae hatch a month later and remain aquatic until matured into an adult. Other Info.: Primarily nocturnal. Will wave its tail over its body when threatened. The tail secretes a foul-tasting substance and can detach. May mate with the Jefferson Salamander and produce hybrids. |
Distribution
Status:
Status:
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Common Mudpuppy
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Identifying characteristics:
Mudpuppies are neotenic salamanders, meaning that their body
never matures into an adult, maintaining the characteristics
of the larvae. They are easy to identify by their large
stout size in combination with their bushy, red, external
gills. The 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 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 and eggs hatch within 8 weeks. Other Info.: Primarily nocturnal. Active throughout the year and do not hibernate. Live for up to 20 years. Those that live in slow moving waters tent to have larger gills than those in fast moving water. |
Distribution Status: none
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Eastern Hellbender
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Identifying characteristics:
America's largest aquatic salamander is easily identified by
its broad, wrinkly body and odd body shape. Often gray,
brown or black on 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 eggs 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 breath 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
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Identifying characteristics:
A small, slender body that is usually rust-colored to
grayish brown. Sometimes having 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
at the base of the tail. 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 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 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 toxic. They also have the unique ability to voluntarily detach their tail, leaving it behind as they dash away. They have an interesting courtship behavior, started by rubbing their noses together. |
Distribution Status: None
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Jefferson Salamander
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Identifying characteristics: Like the
Blue Spotted Salamander , the Jefferson has the same long, slender body and tail (about 40% of its
total length), but in contrast 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
to the Blue Spotted, the spots are less distinct and not
always present. The body color is brown or bluish gray. It's
tail is round, until the last third where is laterally
flattens. Size: Average body length of 3-5 inches. Habitat: Temperate forest floors with sandy soil and plenty of moisture. They can often be found under rocks or logs. Unlike most salamanders, they can often be found above ground during the summer. This mole salamander lives most of its life underground. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae, spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: They breed in temporary woodland ponds or pools, where the females lakes eggs at the bottom of submerged debris. Larvae hatch up to 5 months later, and remain aquatic until matured into an adult. Other Info.: Will wave its tail over its body when threatened. The tail secretes a foul-tasting substance and can detach. May mate with the Blue Spotted Salamander and produce hybrids. Primarily nocturnal. |
Distribution
Status:
Status:
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Longtail Salamander
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Identifying characteristics:
This lungless salamander is very easy to identify by its
long and slender bright yellow to orange to red body and
long tail (over 60% of it's 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 dominant side spotting will appear as banding. 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 limestone or shale debris. 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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Northern Dusky Salamander
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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. 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 ), also with dark spots,
may also be present. 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 lungless salamander that breathes through its skin and mouth lining. |
Distribution Status: None |
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Northern Red Salamander
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Identifying characteristics:
A relatively large, stout lungless salamander that is
typically red or orange, with black spotting. Older
specimens may have a less striking color, typically more
dull purplish-brown. The hind limbs have 5 toes, the forelimbs have 4. Costal groves (that look like rib grooves) are present. Size: Average body length of 4-6 inches. Habitat: Semi-aquatic. Fully aquatic in winter. Damp wooded areas with clean running streams and plenty of debris. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae, spiders, snails, slugs and smaller salamanders. Has a projectile tongue 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 will curl up and wave its tail above its head. May secrete a substance toxic to some animals. |
Distribution Status: None
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Northern Redback Salamander
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Identifying characteristics:
This salamander is easy to identify by it's dark (gray or
black) colored body and broad reddish-orange dorsal stripe
(from neck through tail). Although some may lack this stripe
(or it may be faint), its mottled light and dark gray belly
is always present. The body shape is flattened and the legs
are short with thick toes. Costal groves (that look like rib
grooves) are present. Size: Average body length of 3-5 inches. Habitat: Damp terrestrial. Deciduous forests. Often found in leaf litter, under rocks or logs or within burrows. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae, spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: Lays eggs rock or clay underground cavities or downed or 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. A lungless 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, lungless salamander that is speckled with white or
silver spots. Costal groves (look like rib grooves) are
present. May have a coat on the body of slime 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 burrows or other animals. Hot or dry temperatures drive them underground. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and larvae, especially ants and beetles. Reproduction: Eggs are laid under moist terrestrial debris or in crevasses in caves. Mother stays with the clutch. 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 by their slimy skin secretions that deter predation. A lungless salamander that breathes through its skin and mouth lining. |
Distribution Status: None |
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Northern Spring Salamander
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Identifying characteristics:
A lungless salamander that is generally, orangish/yellowish
brown or salmon, speckled with black spots on the back.
Coloring tends to get duller in order specimens. The
body is stout with a broad nose and keeled tail. Costal
groves (that look like rib grooves) are present (as with other lungless salamanders) Size: Average body length of 5-7 inches. Habitat: Semi-Aquatic. Cool and clear mountain streams and springs, sometimes damp caves. Occasionally found under streamside debris or on land during rain. Prefer higher elevations. Food: Carnivorous. Worms, insects and 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, will dash into water and swim away. May secrete a substance toxic to some animals. |
Distribution Status: None
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Northern Two-lined Salamander
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Identifying characteristics:
Aptly named by the two narrow black lines that boarder the
broad light-colored stripe that runs the length of their
back and tail. The broad stripe ranges in color from yellow
to light brown (and may be spotted). The two bordering lines
may be broken up into dashes. The body color is generally a
mottled yellowish-brown. Tail is laterally compressed.
Costal groves are present. Size: Average body length of 2.5-3 inches. Habitat: Damp terrestrial. Wooded or open areas with plentiful moisture and debris. Require a close, running water source. Often found under leaf litter or streamside debris. Food: Carnivorous. Insects and larvae, spiders, snails and slugs. Reproduction: Eggs are laid in the crevasses under debris (stones or logs) in water. Larvae hatch 1-2 months later, remain aquatic, and can take 2-3 years to mature. Other Info.: Nocturnal. When threatened, may disconnect 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 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 to return as adults. Other Info.: Nocturnal. Terrestrial form hibernates in winter, though aquatic forms will stay active all year. The Eft may take up to 3 years to mature into an adult. |
Distribution Status: None
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Spotted Salamander
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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 purple, gray or sometimes black and may have
lighter speckling. One or more skin folds on bottom 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 larvae, spiders, snails, slugs and earthworms. Reproduction: They breed in woodland ponds or pools, where the females lays eggs at the bottom of submerged debris. Larvae hatch a month later and remain aquatic until matured into an adult. Other Info.: Nocturnal. Since this species lives in mature woodland, their numbers are diminishing due to deforestation. |
Distribution Status: None
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Wehrle's Salamander
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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 groves 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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