Species Reptiles & AmphibiansSpotted Salamander

Spotted Salamander

Ambystoma maculatum

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)

The Spotted Salamander is a large, secretive mole salamander recognized by its bright yellow spots on dark blue-black skin. It emerges on the first warm rainy nights of late winter to breed in vernal pools.

Habitat
Deciduous forests near seasonal woodland pools and ponds
Diet
Earthworms, slugs, insects, and other invertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a Spotted Salamander

The best time to see a Spotted Salamander is March–April, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 31,941 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Spotted Salamander sightings near you

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