Amphibian
Spotted Salamander
Ambystoma maculatumAlso known as Yellow-spotted Salamander
Spotted Salamanders are stout dark mole salamanders marked with two irregular rows of yellow or orange spots. Adults spend most of the year underground, emerging on wet nights to migrate toward temporary breeding pools.
mole salamandervernal poolnocturnal migrant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyEarthworms, slugs, insects
Predators
- snakes
- raccoons
- forest birds
ThreatsRoad mortality, loss of breeding pools, forest fragmentation, pollution, and disease
HabitatsMoist deciduous forest, underground burrows, vernal pools, and shaded wetland margins
Life spanOften more than ten years, with some wild individuals surviving for several decades
Classification
- FamilyAmbystomatidae
- SpeciesAmbystoma maculatum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Defensive skin secretions can irritate eyes or sensitive tissue; avoid touching salamanders.
- Why it is dangerous
- Spotted Salamanders can release sticky defensive secretions that irritate eyes and mucous membranes.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Confirm a broad dark salamander with two uneven rows of bright yellow or orange spots.
- What to do
- Avoid skin contact; if exposure occurs, wash hands before touching the face and rinse affected tissue.
Responsible observation
- Watch: View rainy-night migrations from a safe roadside position without blocking travel.
- Protect: Never handle adults, eggs, or larvae or disturb a temporary breeding pool.
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