Blue-spotted Salamander
ExploreAmphibians
Blue-spotted Salamander
Ambystoma laterale
The Blue-spotted Salamander is a small, colorful creature with bright blue spots on its dark skin. It loves to live in damp places and is often found under logs or rocks in the forest.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Blue-spotted Salamander has a slender, dark bluish-black body covered in bright, irregular sky-blue spots or flecks, particularly along its sides. These distinctive markings set it apart from other dark salamanders, making it easily identifiable.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyAmbystomatidaeGenusAmbystoma
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Some blue-spotted salamanders have extra sets of DNA from other salamander species!
These amazing salamanders return to the same pond every year to lay their eggs.
They spend most of their lives hidden underground, only emerging to breed or hunt.
They use their amazing sense of smell to find hidden food and even detect danger.
Special abilities
Ability
Skin Breathing
Blue-spotted Salamander can breathe through its moist skin and mouth lining, which helps it absorb oxygen underwater and on land.
Ability
Toxic Skin
Blue-spotted Salamander has glands in its skin that release a mild, sticky toxin, which helps deter predators when grabbed.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-14 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.01 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Top Speed
- 0.1 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 100-500
- Metamorphosis
- 60-120 days
Diet & Feeding
These small hunters eat tiny insects, worms, and other small creatures found in damp places.
Age differences: Larvae eat tiny aquatic invertebrates in water, while adults primarily hunt terrestrial prey on land.
Primary Foods
- Earthworms
- Slugs
- Spiders
- Beetle larvae
- Crickets
- Millipedes
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Preys on adult salamanders.
eats
Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
A primary food source for adults.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Hunts salamanders near ponds.
eats
Black Slug
Arion ater
Consumes these slow-moving invertebrates.
depends on
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Requires leaf litter from trees for shelter.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch where you step in the forest, and don't touch wild animals without asking an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Blue-spotted Salamander?
10-14 cm
How much does Blue-spotted Salamander weigh?
0.005-0.01 kg
How long does Blue-spotted Salamander live?
10-15 years
How fast can Blue-spotted Salamander move?
0.1 km/h
What does Blue-spotted Salamander eat?
These small hunters eat tiny insects, worms, and other small creatures found in damp places.
Where is Blue-spotted Salamander usually found?
Forests
How does Blue-spotted Salamander hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Blue-spotted Salamander lay?
100-500
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