Spotted Salamander
Description
Breeding
Habitat
Subspecies
Other
Spotted Salamander |
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Description
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6-9 3/4" 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. |
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Breeding
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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" in diameter, each containing about 100 eggs, that adhere to submerged branches. Larvae hatch in 1-2 months, are 1/2" long; transform in 2-4 months at 2 1/2". |
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Habitat
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Hardwood forests and hillsides around pools and flooded depressions. |
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Subspecies
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Other
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