Marbled Salamander Maryland

The marbled salamander is part of a family known as mole salamanders.
Marbled salamander maryland. Unlike most of the family the marbled salamander breeds in the fall and on land. Marbled salamanders can metamorphose more quickly in warmer climates taking as little as two months. The marbled salamander varies in length from 9 10 7 cm 3 5 4 2 in. Young salamanders have dark colored specks on the dark background.
Maryland s salamanders and newts order caudata marbled salamander ambystoma opacum. Maryland amphibian and reptile atlas. And the red salamander 4 6 inches. The dorsal coloration is a black background with gray female or white male markings and its belly is black.
580 taylor ave annapolis md 21401. The marbled salamander ambystoma opacum is a species of mole salamander found in the eastern united states. The bands of females tend to be gray while those of males are more white. The red back salamander 2 to 3 inches.
Habitat photo for marbled salamander courtesy of rebecca chalmers. Explore wall mural aliceanna st baltimore maryland october. Marbled salamander ambystoma opacum. Newts look similar to salamanders but may have rough skin and are either aquatic or semi aquatic.
Deciduous and mixed forests adjacent to vernal pools. Marbled salamander ambystoma opacum is a relatively small black mole salamander with silvery or whitish banded markings unlike other maryland representatives of the genus ambystoma this species breeds in late autumn at vernal pools including ones that are seasonally dry until spring rains the female guards her eggs until water levels rise and the eggs hatch. Call toll free in maryland at 1 877 620 8dnr 8367 out of state. Their life cycles can be totally aquatic totally terrestrial and in between spending time both on land and in water.
Adults can grow to about 11 cm 4 in small compared to other members of its genus. They can be camouflaged or brightly colored or patterned and tend to be terrestrial. The marbled salamander grows to 10 cm in length. Salamanders generally have short bodies four short legs long tails and smooth moist skin.
There are several species of salamanders found in maryland. The marbled salamander is a stocky boldly banded salamander. Marbled salamander ambystoma opacum. Eggs are laid in the fall under coarse woody debris while the pools are dry.
The most common species that might be found in suburban areas are the spotted salamander 5 to 7 inches see photo the slimy salamander 2 to 3 inches.