Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2432014
Blue-spotted Salamander
Ambystoma lateraleAlso known as Blue-spotted Mole Salamander
Blue-spotted salamanders spend most of their lives underground beneath rotting logs, leaf litter, and damp soil within northern forest habitats. During rainy spring nights, adults emerge in mass migrations toward temporary woodland vernal pools to breed. These secretive amphibians participate in complex unisexual hybrid networks, where female-only lineages hijack sperm from males of related salamander species to stimulate egg development.
AmphibianNocturnalVernal Pools
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Earthworms
- Beetles
- Spiders
Predators
- Garter snakes
- Raccoons
- Herons
ThreatsHabitat loss, wetland drainage, road mortality during spring migrations, and pollution
HabitatsMoist deciduous and coniferous forests, vernal pools, and swampy woodlands
Life span10 to 12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAmbystomatidae
- SpeciesAmbystoma laterale
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a dark gray to black salamander covered in striking sky-blue flecks along its flanks and tail.
- Support conservation
- Drive cautiously near forest wetlands on wet spring nights and avoid handling wild individuals.
Responsible observation
- Spring Night Surveys: Search wet forest roads and forest floors near vernal pools on rainy spring nights.
- Minimize Handling: Keep hands wet and chemical-free if handling is necessary to protect sensitive skin.
- Log Etiquette: Always gently return turned logs and rocks to their original position to save damp microhabitats.
Hybrid Partner (c) Dan MacNeal, some rights reserved (CC BY) / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) Matt Felperin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Felperin · cc-by
Close Relative D. Gordon E. Robertson / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) evangrimes, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by evangrimes · cc-by
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