Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland's Salamanders and Newts  (Order Caudata)


Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)


Photo of adult Spotted Salamander courtesy of John White
Adult Photo of Spotted Salamander courtesy of John White


Size:
6 - 7¾ in; Record - 9¾ in.

Appearance:
  • Back is black or grayish brown with two rows of distinct yellow or orange spots.
  • Some individuals have no spots.
  • Underside is pale gray with no spots.

Habitat:

Habitat photo courtesy of Rebecca Chalmers
Habitat Photo for Spotted Salamander
courtesy of Rebecca Chalmers

  • In spring, spotted salamanders breed in vernal pools.
  • Terrestrial life stages can be found near pools under rocks, logs, or underground burrows.

Distribution in Maryland:
Maryland Distribution Map for Spotted Salamander 

Found throughout much of Maryland except on the lower Eastern Shore.