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
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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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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Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Eastern Hellbender compared to other salamanders

The eastern hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, is a species of the aquatic giant salamander native to the eastern and central United States. It is the only extant member of the genus Cryptobranchus, and other closely related salamanders in the same family are in the genus Andrias. Their means of respiration is unique, as it involves cutaneous gas exchange through capillaries found in its dorsoventral skin folds. It is classified as both predator and prey in its ecosystem. They are distinguishable from other native salamanders by their giant dorsoventrally flattened body with thick folds down the sides, a single open gill slit on each sides, and hind feet with five toes each.

The Eastern Hellbender has an overall length between 9.45”-15.75” (24-40 cm), body width of 1.57”-2.75” (4-7 cm), body height of .87”-1.42” (2.2-3.6 cm), and weight between 4-6 lb (1.8-2.7 kg). The typical lifespan of the Eastern Hellbender is between 12-30 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Eastern Hellbender
The eastern hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, is a species of the aquatic giant salamander native to the eastern and central United States. It is the only extant member of the genus Cryptobranchus, and other closely related salamanders in the same family are in the genus Andrias.

The Eastern Hellbender has an overall length between 9.45”-15.75” (24-40 cm), body width of 1.57”-2.75” (4-7 cm), body height of .87”-1.42” (2.2-3.6 cm), and weight between 4-6 lb (1.8-2.7 kg). The typical lifespan of the Eastern Hellbender is between 12-30 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Eastern Hellbender
Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
Height:
.87”-1.42” | 2.2-3.6 cm
Width:
1.57”-2.75” | 4-7 cm
Length:
9.45”-15.75” | 24-40 cm
Depth:
Weight:
4-6 lb | 1.8-2.7 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
Lifespan
12-30 years

Drawings include:

Eastern Hellbender top view, side

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Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Common Mudpuppy to other salamanders

The mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus, is an aquatic salamander that lives in the eastern part of North America in lakes, rivers, and ponds. As skin and lung respiration is not sufficient for gas exchange, mudpuppies rely on external gills as their primary means of gas exchange. They are nocturnal animals, and only emerge during the day if the water in which they inhabit is murky. Their diet is diverse, as they consume insects, mollusks, earthworms, and other annelids. Physically they are a rusty brown color with black, gray, and black-blue spots.

The Common Mudpuppy has an overall length between 7.87”-13” (20-33 cm), body width of .98”-1.57” (2.5-4 cm), body height of .79”-1.25” (2-3.2 cm), and weight between 4-5.5 lb (1.8-2.5 kg). The typical lifespan of the Common Mudpuppy is between 10-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Mudpuppy in various poses
The mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus, is an aquatic salamander that lives in the eastern part of North America in lakes, rivers, and ponds. As skin and lung respiration is not sufficient for gas exchange, mudpuppies rely on external gills as their primary means of gas exchange.

The Common Mudpuppy has an overall length between 7.87”-13” (20-33 cm), body width of .98”-1.57” (2.5-4 cm), body height of .79”-1.25” (2-3.2 cm), and weight between 4-5.5 lb (1.8-2.5 kg). The typical lifespan of the Common Mudpuppy is between 10-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Mudpuppy in various poses
Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)
Height:
.79”-1.25” | 2-3.2 cm
Width:
.98”-1.57” | 2.5-4 cm
Length:
7.87”-13” | 20-33 cm
Depth:
Weight:
4-5.5 lb | 1.8-2.5 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Necturus maculosus
Lifespan
10-30 years

Drawings include:

Common Mudpuppy top view, side

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Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
Scale illustration of an average Tiger Salamander compared to other salamander species

The tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, is a mole salamander, and it is one of the largest terrestrial salamanders in North America. They are secretive creatures that live underground in burrows of woodlands or in grassy open fields, and they need loose soil for burrowing. Physically, they have a black or dark brown back with brownish yellow to greenish yellow markings on the back of their head, body, and tail. Other characteristics include short snouts, thick necks, strong legs, and lengthy tails. Their diet is mostly small insects, frogs, and worms, but an adult can turn cannibalistic.

The Tiger Salamander has an overall length between 5.91”-7.87” (15-20 cm), body width of .79”-1.1” (2-2.8 cm), body height of .71”-.91” (1.8-2.3 cm), and weight between 2.1-4.6 oz (60-130 g). The typical lifespan of the Tiger Salamander is between 14-25 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Tiger Salamander
The tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, is a mole salamander, and it is one of the largest terrestrial salamanders in North America. They are secretive creatures that live underground in burrows of woodlands or in grassy open fields, and they need loose soil for burrowing.

The Tiger Salamander has an overall length between 5.91”-7.87” (15-20 cm), body width of .79”-1.1” (2-2.8 cm), body height of .71”-.91” (1.8-2.3 cm), and weight between 2.1-4.6 oz (60-130 g). The typical lifespan of the Tiger Salamander is between 14-25 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Tiger Salamander
Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
Height:
.71”-.91” | 1.8-2.3 cm
Width:
.79”-1.1” | 2-2.8 cm
Length:
5.91”-7.87” | 15-20 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2.1-4.6 oz | 60-130 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Ambystoma tigrinum
Lifespan
14-25 years

Drawings include:

Tiger Salamander top view, side

Details & Downloads

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