Cornell Department of Natural Resources |
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Kristi L. Sullivan and Stephen J. Morreale |
Salamanders of the E.L. Rose Conservancy Area
Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
The spotted salamander is a mole salamander that lives in deciduous or mixed deciduous and coniferous forests containing temporary or permanent ponds. Spotted salamanders rarely are seen except during the breeding season when they are active on the surface as they make their way to water to breed and lay eggs. During the rest of the year, they spend most of their time underground
Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
Like the spotted salamander, the Jefferson salamander is a mole salamander. Jefferson salamanders live in similar habitat and like the spotted, seldom are seen outside of the breeding season.
Eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
The eastern red-backed salamander is the most abundant and widely distributed salamander in the state. This salamander, found in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, is the most abundant forest vertebrate in the Northeast.
Northern slimy salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
The northern slimy salamander inhabits heavily forested areas or open shale-covered embankments and hillsides adjacent to dense forest. These animals are most abundant in mature woodlands with an abundance of rocks and fallen logs to provide cover.
Long-tailed salamander (Eurycea longicauda)
The long-tailed salamander is long and slender, and typically dark yellow with irregular black spots. These animals are primarily terrestrial and live in a variety of habitats from deciduous and mixed forests to forest edges, shale banks and road cuts.
Red eft (Notophthalmus viridescens)
Although adult and larval eastern newts are aquatic, there is often an intermediate, land-dwelling life form. This terrestrial form is called the red eft. Efts are brightly colored and often can be found moving through the leaf litter on the forest floor. They may live on land for 3-7 years before returning to the water to breed.
Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
The eastern newt inhabits a variety of aquatic habitats including temporary and permanent ponds, lakes, and slow-moving creeks and streams in or near the woods. As adults, these animals live an aquatic life. However, juveniles may live on land for 3-7 years before returning to the water to breed.
Allegheny mountain dusky salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus)
The mountain dusky salamander lives in moist deciduous or mixed hardwood-coniferous forests. These animals most often are seen under rocks, logs, bark, and other natural cover objects.
Northern two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata)
The northern two-lined salamander is a small, slender salamander that primarily lives along streamsides. They usually are found under cover, often under rocks near the water’s edge.
Northern spring salamander
The northern spring salamander is a large, robust, pink or salmon-colored animal. These animals live primarily in cool springs, spring seeps, and fast-flowing mountain streams. Adults can sometimes be found under cover objects along the margins of streams and springs, though the larvae are entirely aquatic. These animals are quick and swim with eel-like movements.