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Blue-spotted Salamander

Overview:

Scientific Name: Ambystoma laterale 

Size: 3 – 5.5” (adult size)

Status: Quite common in woodlands, and seem to be tolerant of human habitat disturbance and fragmentation.

Habitat:

Inhabit deciduous and coniferous forests from moist bottomlands to drier uplands. Most abundant in moist woodlands with sandy soils but can be found in open fields and suburban backyards. Vernal pools that retain water into mid-summer are an essential habitat component.  

Conservation:

Wooded habitats adjacent to semi-permanent or permanent fishless ponds are required. Can be tolerant of selective logging and low-density residential development as long as critical habitat remains intact. Clear cuttings and roadways between breeding ponds and terrestrial habitat threaten the species and their local populations.  

Best Management:

Consider the effects of altering or destroying vernal pools and other fish-free ponds. Do not impact the pool depression or core buffer area within 100 feet of the pools and aim to protect a wider buffer of 600 – 1000 feet around the pools. Try to maintain the forest canopy and any habitat corridors to other vernal pools and upland habitats, these landscape mosaics are important to the species. Crossing structures can help reduce the effects of habitat fragmentation by roadways.  

Adult Coloration:

Black or greyish-black with blue spots and flecks on their sides, legs, belly and tail and occasionally on their back. The belly may be black or slightly lighter than the upper surfaces of the body.  

Adult Characteristics:

12-14 costal grooves (grooves between rib-like ridges that run down the sides of the body). Males are slightly smaller than females and have longer, more flattened tails. During breeding season males have swollen vents.  

Larvae Characteristics:

Older larvae (those with four legs present) may be dark brown, olive, or grey on the back with dark mottling on the tail fins. Sometimes has dull yellow blotches on the back and/or a yellow stripe down each side of the back. The belly is usually unmarked and lighter than the back.  

Species Confused With:

Small-mouthed Salamanders have very short snouts with slightly protruding lower jaw and markings that are usually greyer than blue. Lead phase Red-backed Salamanders have considerably narrower bodies, very small legs, and small black and white spots on the belly. Larvae may be confused with Spotted Salamanders.  

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