Spotted salamander

Description:

The spotted salamander is about 6–7.5 inches (15–19 cm) long. The spotted salamander's main color is black, but can sometimes be a blueish black, dark grey, or even dark brown. There are two rows of yellowish orange spots that run from the top of the head (near the eyes) to the tip of the tail. These rows are uneven. Interestingly, the spotted salamander's spots near the top of the head are more orange, while the spots on the rest of its body are more yellow. The underside of the spotted salamander is slate gray and pink. Their defenses from predators include hiding in leaf litter or logs, autotomy, and a poison, which is not harmful to humans. In ponds or wetlands they hide near the muddy bottoms or hide underneath leaves at the bottom. They have the ability to drop their tails, to distract predators. If a predator of the spotted salamander manages to dismember a part of a leg, tail, or even parts of the brain/head, then it can grow back a new one, although this takes a massive amount of energy. The spotted salamander, like other salamanders show great regenerative abilities, even being able to regenerate limbs and parts of organs. They have large poison glands around the back and neck, which release a toxic white liquid. (information from Wikipedia)

Habitat:

Heavily wooded area with lots of small pools of water.

Notes:

This salamander was "spotted" (HA!) at Nescopeck State Park.