Scientific Name: Ambystoma maculatum
Size: 4.5-9.5 inches (11-24 cm) in length
PA Status: Abundant

Habitat Type:
Deciduous or mixed hardwood-coniferous forest, adjoining floodplains, lowland wood and upland ridges with temporary or permanent woodland ponds.

Colorations:

• The dorsal background color is dark black to steel grey and becomes slate grey on the lower sides. The dorsal has two rows of large irregular yellow to yellowish orange spots that extend from the head to the tip of the tail.
• The ventral is slate grey.

Characteristics:

• Large, heavy bodied species
• The legs are strong and well-developed.
• The head is broad and somewhat depressed and set off from the body by a distinct neck.
• The tail is short and oval in the cross-section and rapidly tapers to the tip.
• The dermal glands are present on the dorsal surface and well-developed on the dorsal of the tail.
• 11-13 costal grooves.

Juvenile coloration and characteristics:

• Are similar to adults with lighter ventrals and less prominent spotting on the dorsal.

Recently morphed coloration and characteristics:

• Individuals are uniformed brown dorsal with a light tan ventral.

Larvae coloration and characteristics:

• The dorsal is dull green and not strongly marked.
• The ventral is white.

Confused with:

• Slimy Salamander

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults

Juveniles/Recent Morph

Larvae


Eggs

Range Map:

References:

• Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 55-59pp.
• Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 76-87pp.

Photo Credits:

• Tom Diez
• Bob Hamilton
• Dave Emma
• Jason Poston