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.