USGS - science for a changing world

Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center


Checklist of Amphibian Species and Identification Guide

Blue-spotted Salamander, Ambystoma laterale

Blue-spotted Salamander

The Blue-spotted Salamander attains a length as an adult between 4 and 5.5 inches. It is found in moist wooded areas under debris such as rotting logs, vegetation and loose soil. The spotting is generally light blue or white on a dark blue to black background, and the belly is also dark. The Jefferson Salamander is the only salamander that could be confused with the Blue-spotted by virtue of it also having blue spots, but the Jefferson Salamander's spots are generally small flecks. The Jefferson Salamander also has a paler background color and light colored belly versus the dark blue/black background color of the Blue-spotted. These two species hybridize in the parts of their ranges that overlap making identification in these areas difficult (compare distribution maps). Hybrids tend to reach larger sizes than the Blue-spotted Salamander and have a paler background closer to the Jefferson Salamander. Within hydrid zones check the vent - this is surrounded by black in the Blue-spotted and gray in the Jefferson.

Distribution map for the Blue-spotted Salamander


Return to checklist:   family/species   species only
Return to Contents

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Page Contact Information: Webmaster
Page Last Modified: Saturday, 02-Feb-2013 05:01:35 EST
Reston, VA [vaww54]