Salamanders | Salamandridae

Salamandridae is a family of small to medium terrestrial or aquatic salamanders and newts in the amphibian class. Most species in the salamandridae family have brightly colored skin that excretes toxins through its numerous poision glands. Due to the number of poison glands, Salamandridae are considered to have rough textured skin. Salamandridae typically give birth to live young, that do not have a tadpole stage. Salamandridae are found in North America, Asia, Europe, and Northern Africa. Salamandriae have four well developed limbs, some develop dorsal and tail fins, and juveniles and adults have developed lungs.

What do salamanders eat?

Salamanders are carnivorous and their diet depends on their age, species, and habitat. Young salamanders eat microorganisms in pond water, tubiflex worms, and mosquito larvae. Once they are 2 months old, they eat the same diet as an adult salamander. Adult salamanders are not picky and usually eat maggots, mysis, springtails, buffalo worms, fruit-flies, and crickets.

How do salamanders reproduce?

Salamanders reproduce via the female salamander fertilizing the eggs by picking up spermatophore from ground or water where it was left by the male. The fertilized eggs are then placed in water or land depending on the species and produce larvae. A salamander is able to place up to 450 eggs in water.

Where can you find salamanders?

Salamanders can be found in the Americas, most frequently in North America, as well as the temperate zones of Northern Africa, Asia, and Europe. They typically live in damp areas around streams under stones, logs, and leaves in moist habitats.

Salamanders Guides
Browse through our curated Salamanders Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Salamanders. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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.31”-.55” | .8-1.4 cm
.28”-.47” | .7-1.2 cm
2.75”-4.72” | 7-12 cm
.05-.23 oz | 1.4-6.4 g
15-30 years
Alpine Newt
1.400
1.200
12.000
0.006
30.00
3200
GUIDE
3D
Alpine Newt
.51”-.83” | 1.3-2.1 cm
.47”-.79” | 1.2-2 cm
4.72”-7.87” | 12-20 cm
.21-.39 oz | 6-11 g
15-30 years
California Newt
2.100
2.000
20.000
0.011
30.00
2700
GUIDE
3D
California Newt
.79”-1.25” | 2-3.2 cm
.98”-1.57” | 2.5-4 cm
7.87”-13” | 20-33 cm
4-5.5 lb | 1.8-2.5 kg
10-30 years
Common Mudpuppy
3.200
4.000
33.000
0.003
30.00
2350
GUIDE
3D
Common Mudpuppy
.87”-1.42” | 2.2-3.6 cm
1.57”-2.75” | 4-7 cm
9.45”-15.75” | 24-40 cm
4-6 lb | 1.8-2.7 kg
12-30 years
Eastern Hellbender
3.600
7.000
40.000
0.003
30.00
2050
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Hellbender
.28”-.47” | .7-1.2 cm
.24”-.39” | .6-1 cm
2.36”-3.94” | 6-10 cm
.18-.39 oz | 5-11 g
12-15 years
Eastern Newt
1.200
1.000
10.000
0.011
15.00
6000
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Newt
.51”-.83” | 1.3-2.1 cm
.43”-.71” | 1.1-1.8 cm
4.33”-7.09” | 11-18 cm
.12-.18 oz | 3.5-5 g
6-20 years
Jefferson Salamander
2.100
1.800
18.000
0.005
20.00
2200
GUIDE
3D
Jefferson Salamander
.31”-.71” | .8-1.8 cm
.24”-.47” | .6-1.2 cm
2.36”-5.51” | 6-14 cm
.16-.46 oz | 4.5-13 g
10-15 years
Northern Dusky Salamander
1.800
1.200
14.000
0.013
15.00
650
GUIDE
3D
Northern Dusky Salamander
.35”-.39” | .9-1 cm
.35”-.39” | .9-1 cm
9.06”-9.84” | 23-25 cm
.6-5.3 oz | 17-150 g
60-100 years
Olm | Proteus
1.000
1.000
25.000
0.150
100.00
52100
GUIDE
3D
Olm | Proteus
.43”-.59” | 1.1-1.5 cm
.35”-.55” | .9-1.4 cm
4.72”-6.69” | 12-17 cm
.13-.15 oz | 3.6-4.2 g
6-20 years
Slimy Salamander
1.500
1.400
17.000
0.004
20.00
1250
GUIDE
3D
Slimy Salamander
.71”-1.18” | 1.8-3 cm
.59”-.98” | 1.5-2.5 cm
5.91”-9.84” | 15-25 cm
.4-.6 oz | 11-17 g
20-30 years
Spotted Salamander
3.000
2.500
25.000
0.017
30.00
12900
GUIDE
3D
Spotted Salamander
.71”-.91” | 1.8-2.3 cm
.79”-1.1” | 2-2.8 cm
5.91”-7.87” | 15-20 cm
2.1-4.6 oz | 60-130 g
14-25 years
Tiger Salamander
2.300
2.800
20.000
0.130
25.00
23700
GUIDE
3D
Tiger Salamander
Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Slimy Salamander to other salamanders

The slimy salamander, Plethodon glutinosus, is a large salamander found throughout eastern North America in wet, undisturbed woodlands and wooded ravines. In these environments they like to stay under logs, stones, debris, or in burrows. They were once considered one species, but they have recently been separated into 13 unique ones. Physically they all are similar in appearance and are best differentiated by range. They are characterized by a blackish-blue color and scatted silvery-white or gold spots with a round tail. The name references the slimy secretions the species produces when threatened.

The Slimy Salamander has an overall length between 4.72”-6.69” (12-17 cm), body width of .35”-.55” (.9-1.4 cm), body height of .43”-.59” (1.1-1.5 cm), and weight between .13-.15 oz (3.6-4.2 g). The typical lifespan of the Slimy Salamander is between 6-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Slimy Salamander in various poses
The slimy salamander, Plethodon glutinosus, is a large salamander found throughout eastern North America in wet, undisturbed woodlands and wooded ravines. In these environments they like to stay under logs, stones, debris, or in burrows.

The Slimy Salamander has an overall length between 4.72”-6.69” (12-17 cm), body width of .35”-.55” (.9-1.4 cm), body height of .43”-.59” (1.1-1.5 cm), and weight between .13-.15 oz (3.6-4.2 g). The typical lifespan of the Slimy Salamander is between 6-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Slimy Salamander in various poses
Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
Height:
.43”-.59” | 1.1-1.5 cm
Width:
.35”-.55” | .9-1.4 cm
Length:
4.72”-6.69” | 12-17 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.13-.15 oz | 3.6-4.2 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Plethodon glutinosus
Lifespan
6-20 years

Drawings include:

Slimy Salamander top view, side

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Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Jefferson Salamander to other salamanders

The Jefferson salamander, Ambystoma jeffersonianum, is a mole salamander that lives in the northeastern United States, southern and central Ontario, and southwestern Quebec. It’s named after Jefferson College in Pennsylvania. They live in underbrush in deciduous forests in damp conditions. Physically, they are dark gray, brown, or black on its dorsal surface, with a lighter shade on their anterior, and some may have silver or blue specks on their sides. They are slender, with a wide nose and long toes. Larvae and adults are carnivorous and consume aquatic invertebrates, and insufficient food supply results in cannibalistic behavior.

The Jefferson Salamander has an overall length between 4.33”-7.09” (11-18 cm), body width of .43”-.71” (1.1-1.8 cm), body height of .51”-.83” (1.3-2.1 cm), and weight between .12-.18 oz (3.5-5 g). The typical lifespan of the Jefferson Salamander is between 6-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Jefferson Salamander in various poses
The Jefferson salamander, Ambystoma jeffersonianum, is a mole salamander that lives in the northeastern United States, southern and central Ontario, and southwestern Quebec. It’s named after Jefferson College in Pennsylvania. They live in underbrush in deciduous forests in damp conditions.

The Jefferson Salamander has an overall length between 4.33”-7.09” (11-18 cm), body width of .43”-.71” (1.1-1.8 cm), body height of .51”-.83” (1.3-2.1 cm), and weight between .12-.18 oz (3.5-5 g). The typical lifespan of the Jefferson Salamander is between 6-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Jefferson Salamander in various poses
Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
Height:
.51”-.83” | 1.3-2.1 cm
Width:
.43”-.71” | 1.1-1.8 cm
Length:
4.33”-7.09” | 11-18 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.12-.18 oz | 3.5-5 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Ambystoma jeffersonianum
Lifespan
6-20 years

Drawings include:

Jefferson Salamander top view, side

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Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Spotted Salamander compared to other salamanders

The spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, is a common mole salamander found in the eastern United States and Canada. They live in a shelter of leaves or burrows in deciduous forests. It is the state amphibian of Ohio and South Carolina. Physically, they are stout, have wide snouts, and can vary in color- black, blueish-black, dark green, and dark brown. They have two uneven rows of yellow-orange spots that start from the top of the head and end at the tip of the tail. As larvae they mostly consume zooplankton, but as they grow, they consume isopods and amphipods.

The Spotted Salamander has an overall length between 5.91”-9.84” (15-25 cm), body width of .59”-.98” (1.5-2.5 cm), body height of .71”-1.18” (1.8-3 cm), and weight between .4-.6 oz (11-17 g). The typical lifespan of the Spotted Salamander is between 20-30 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Spotted Salamander
The spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, is a common mole salamander found in the eastern United States and Canada. They live in a shelter of leaves or burrows in deciduous forests. It is the state amphibian of Ohio and South Carolina. Physically, they are stout and have wide snouts.

The Spotted Salamander has an overall length between 5.91”-9.84” (15-25 cm), body width of .59”-.98” (1.5-2.5 cm), body height of .71”-1.18” (1.8-3 cm), and weight between .4-.6 oz (11-17 g). The typical lifespan of the Spotted Salamander is between 20-30 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Spotted Salamander
Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
Height:
.71”-1.18” | 1.8-3 cm
Width:
.59”-.98” | 1.5-2.5 cm
Length:
5.91”-9.84” | 15-25 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.4-.6 oz | 11-17 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Ambystoma maculatum
Lifespan
20-30 years

Drawings include:

Spotted Salamander top view, side

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Olm | Proteus (Proteus anguinus)
Scale illustration of an average Olm | Proteus compared to other salamander species

A cave salamander, Proteus anguinus, exclusively lives in caves. They encompass several species, and they have developed special adaptations to their environments like rudimentary or absent eyes and lack of pigmentation. Many species have been commonly named ”cave salamander” without any modifier or adjective. For example, the olm is the cave salamander that is most noted for its adaptations to life of complete darkness. Its eyes are undeveloped, and to compensate, its other senses are acute. They lack pigmentation and have three toes on their forelimbs and only two twos on their hind feet.

The Olm | Proteus has an overall length between 9.06”-9.84” (23-25 cm), body width of .35”-.39” (.9-1 cm), body height of .35”-.39” (.9-1 cm), and weight between .6-5.3 oz (17-150 g). The typical lifespan of the Olm | Proteus is between 60-100 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Olm | Proteus
A cave salamander, Proteus anguinus, exclusively lives in caves. They encompass several species, and they have developed special adaptations to their environments like rudimentary or absent eyes and lack of pigmentation. Many species have been commonly named ”cave salamander”.

The Olm | Proteus has an overall length between 9.06”-9.84” (23-25 cm), body width of .35”-.39” (.9-1 cm), body height of .35”-.39” (.9-1 cm), and weight between .6-5.3 oz (17-150 g). The typical lifespan of the Olm | Proteus is between 60-100 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Olm | Proteus
Olm | Proteus (Proteus anguinus)
Height:
.35”-.39” | .9-1 cm
Width:
.35”-.39” | .9-1 cm
Length:
9.06”-9.84” | 23-25 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.6-5.3 oz | 17-150 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Proteus anguinus
Lifespan
60-100 years

Drawings include:

Olm | Proteus top view, side

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Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Northern Dusky Salamander compared to other salamanders

The northern dusky salamander, Desmognathus fuscus, is an amphibian in the family of lungless salamanders; without the use of their lungs, they absorb oxygen through the skin. They are widespread and can be found in eastern Canada through Florida and west to Louisiana. In the northern ranges the dusky salamander prefers rocky woodland streams, seepages, and springs, and in the southern ranges, they occupy floodplains, sloughs, and muddy places along upland streams. They hide under leaves or rocks in or near water, or they may enter burrows for protection. The upper body varies in color from reddish-brown to gray or olive, and the underside is white or gray.

The Northern Dusky Salamander has an overall length between 2.36”-5.51” (6-14 cm), body width of .24”-.47” (.6-1.2 cm), body height of .31”-.71” (.8-1.8 cm), and weight between .16-.46 oz (4.5-13 g). The typical lifespan of the Northern Dusky Salamander is between 10-15 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Northern Dusky Salamander
The northern dusky salamander, Desmognathus fuscus, is an amphibian in the family of lungless salamanders; without the use of their lungs, they absorb oxygen through the skin. They are widespread and can be found in eastern Canada through Florida and west to Louisiana.

The Northern Dusky Salamander has an overall length between 2.36”-5.51” (6-14 cm), body width of .24”-.47” (.6-1.2 cm), body height of .31”-.71” (.8-1.8 cm), and weight between .16-.46 oz (4.5-13 g). The typical lifespan of the Northern Dusky Salamander is between 10-15 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Northern Dusky Salamander
Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
Height:
.31”-.71” | .8-1.8 cm
Width:
.24”-.47” | .6-1.2 cm
Length:
2.36”-5.51” | 6-14 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.16-.46 oz | 4.5-13 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Desmognathus fuscus
Lifespan
10-15 years

Drawings include:

Northern Dusky Salamander top view, side

Details & Downloads

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