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Common Mudpuppy

Scientific Name: Necturus maculosus
Size: 8-13 inches (20-33 cm) in length
Status: Species of special concern
PAHERP Resource: Monsters in the Water

Habitat:
Clear open lakes with sandy bottoms, ponds, and fast-flowing streams and creeks.

Descripton:
Large and stout species; permanently aquatic. The background color is grayish brown, reddish brown to black and becomes lighter on the sides of the body down to the lateral margins of the ventral. The body has a series of irregular blotches. Small blotches may extend onto the posterior dorsal on the head. The underside is beige or cream to pinkish gray and sometimes may be covered with small bluish black blotches. The head has a dark stripe that extends from the nares though the eyes and ends at the gills. The body is stout and somewhat dorsolaterally compressed. The head is flat and broadest just behind the eyes and tapers to a truncated snout. The eyes are small, dark and lidless. There are three pairs of bushy external gills that are present at the junction of the neck and head. The legs are small and not well-developed. The feet have four toes. The tail is short and strongly compressed laterally with a distinct caudal fin.

Adult Coloration:
  • The dorsal background color is greyish brown, reddish brown to black and becomes lighter on the sides of the body down to the lateral margins of the ventral.The dorsal has a series of irregular blotches. Small blotches may extend onto the posterior dorsal on the head.
  • The ventral is beige or cream to pinkish grey and sometimes may be covered with small bluish black blotches.
  • The head has a dark stripe that extends from the nares though the eyes and ends at the gills.
Adult Characteristics:
  • Large and stout species; permanently aquatic.
  • The body is stout and somewhat dorsolaterally compressed.
  • The head is flat and broadest just behind the eyes and tapers to a truncated snout.
  • The eyes are small, dark and lidless.
  • There are three pairs of bushy external gills that are present at the junction of the neck and head.
  • The legs are small and not well-developed.
  • The feet have four toes.
  • The tail is short and strongly compressed laterally with a distinct caudal fin.
Larvae Characteristics:
  • The dorsal is dark with lateral stripes that are separated by pale yellowish cream to light greenish stripes.
  • The tail is long.
  • The ventral is immaculated cream or beige.
  • The dorsal had a dark band that extends down the midline of the back that is bordered by a light yellow stripe. A dark broad band occurs below the yellow stripes.
  • The yolk sac is present with hatchlings.
Range:

May be Confused With:
  • Hellbender
Adult Gallery:
Mudpuppy - By: Jeff Hankey
Mudpuppy - By: Jeff Hankey
Mudpuppy - By: Jeff Hankey
Mudpuppy - By: Jeff Hankey
Mudpuppy - By: Jeff Hankey
Mudpuppy - By: Rex Everett
Mudpuppy - By: Andrew Hoffman
Mudpuppy - By: Andrew Hoffman
Mudpuppy - By: Andrew Hoffman
Mudpuppy - By: Andrew Hoffman

Egg Gallery:
Mudpuppy Eggs- By: Andrew Hoffman
Mudpuppy Eggs- By: Andrew Hoffman

References:
  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 44-48pp.
  • Petranka, James W. ,1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 425-429pp.
Credits:
  • Jeff Hankey
  • Rex Everett
  • Andrew Hoffman

Heads up!

Please contribute your observation of this and other herps to the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey. Your help is needed.

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    Pennsylvania Herp Identification is an educational tool for the public on the reptiles and amphibians found though out Pennsylvania. The project also aims to create knowledge to Pennsylvania residents not only through the internet, but also through interaction with the public, with the help of volunteers in the field to communicate with individuals on a personal level. The site is also here to assist with other herp related questions and personal help with Identification with the simple use of our contact form. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or let us know how the site has helped you.
  • Latest News
    • Mudpuppy Distribution in Pennsylvania Jan 17, 2019 · Uncategorized
    • Help Herps Cross the Road Jul 14, 2015 · Uncategorized
    • PAHERPS Launches with new look. Jun 14, 2013 · Uncategorized
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  • Recommended Books

    Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast

    The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas

    Turtles of the United States and Canada

    Snakes of the United States and Canada

    Frogs of the United States and Canada

    Salamanders of the United States and Canada

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