Family: Ambystomidae, Mole Salamanders view all from this family

Description 6-9 3/4" (15.2-24.8 cm). Stoutly built, black, blue-black, dark gray, or dark brown above, with 2 irregular rows of round, yellow or orange spots beginning on head and extending to tail tip. Belly slate-gray. Costal grooves, usually 12.

Breeding March to April in North, January to February in the Great Smokies, December to February in South. Heavy rains and warming temperatures prompt migration to breeding ponds. Female lays 1 or more compact, clear or milky egg masses, 2 1/2-4" (6.4-10.2 cm) in diameter, each containing about 100 eggs, that adhere to submerged branches. Larvae hatch in 1-2 months, are 1/2" (13 mm) long; transform in 2-4 months at 2 1/2" (64 mm).

Habitat Hardwood forests and hillsides around pools and flooded depression.

Range South-central Ontario to Nova Scotia, south to Georgia and e. Texas.

Discussion This species spends most of the time underground, so adults are rarely encountered. Spotted Salamanders often share a breeding pond with Marbled Salamanders; their larvae are commonly seen together. Acid rains have so polluted the water in some Northeast ponds that eggs cannot develop and populations have died out. Developing egg masses turn green from a beneficial algae. May live 20 years.