Ambystoma maculatum

The Spotted Salamander is black-gray in colour with vibrant, yellow-orange spots. Along its sides, this salamander can have 11-13 costal grooves. These grooves increase the surface area of a salamander’s skin and allow more water to collect on the body and absorb. This helps ensure the salamander doesn’t dry out and can continue with normal respiratory processes. Their skin is very thin and permeable as they breathe through it. However, this means that salamanders are very susceptible to toxins entering their bodies from the environment around them. This species may be SPOTTED in Murphys Point close to wetlands and vernal pools, but hidden under deadfall and leaf litter. If searching for salamanders, be cautious and careful when placing logs that have been lifted. Ensure the salamander can get back under the log without being harmed. It is also best practice to avoid holding amphibians in your hands because of their absorbent skin, as noted above.