Blue-spotted Salamander
Ambystoma laterale Complex
Diploid: State Listing: Endangered
Complex: State Listing: Special Concern
IDENTIFICATION
Size: A slender small to medium sized salamander measuring
2.5 to 4.5 inches in length with a narrow snout and
laterally flattened tail. Diploid populations occur east of
the Connecticut river.
Color: The dorsum is black in coloration with blue flecking
mostly concentrated on the legs, belly and tail. The
venter is black in coloration with blue flecking.
Behavior: When faced with predation adults raise their tails while
releasing toxic secretions as a predatory defense.
Blue-spotted salamanders can be seen during the early
spring on rainy nights migrating to breeding pools.
Habitat: Deciduous forest often associated with riparian wetlands.
Vernal pools are used for egg deposition and larval
development.