Ambystoma maculatum

Photo taken by C. Slesar.

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Distribution Map

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Identification

The Spotted Salamander is the largest of Vermont’s three mole salamanders. It grows up to 9 inches long. It is a black salamander with bright yellow spots. Spotteds have strong legs and a broad flat head.

They spend most of the year underground in shrew, mole, or mouse tunnels, hence the term mole salamander. They move to deeper tunnels to overwinter below the frost line.

Range/Habitat

Spotted Salamanders feed and overwinter in upland hardwood and mixed forests. They breed in vernal pools, beaver ponds, or old farm ponds. The Spotted Salamander is found statewide.

Status

This species has a state natural heritage rank of S5 (common). The Spotted Salamander also has been designated a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (medium priority) in Vermont’s Wildlife Action Plan. Please report all sightings of this species in Vermont. Take photos if possible. Even historic sighting information is useful.

More Info

• Ambystoma maculatum at Animal Diversity website
• Ambystoma maculatum at Amphibiaweb
• Ambystoma maculatum at CARCNET website
• Ambystoma maculatum in the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Action Plan (PDF)

Species summary written by Kaile Burgess.