Topics Related to Amphibians - Salamanders
Scientific Name(s): Plethodon cheoah, Plethodon shermaniDescription: These two species were formerly considered subspecies of the Jordan’s salamander (Plethodon jordani). Photo Credit: Todd Pierson
Scientific Name: Eurycea wilderaePhoto Credit: Todd Pierson Blue Ridge two-lined salamanders inhabit areas near streams of varying sizes throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains. During the breeding season, adults are mainly found in streams, but at other times, they venture deep into terrestrial environments and are less frequently seen near waterways. The stripes on a Blue Ridge two-lined salamander become interrupted approximately halfway down the tail. These salamanders primarily feed on a range of small invertebrates.
Scientific Name: Ambystoma talpoideumPhoto Credit: Kevin Stohlgren Adult mole salamanders are chunky, 4–5 inch amphibians with short tails, broad heads, and speckled brown, gray, or black coloring. They live in the coastal plain of the southeastern U.S., including isolated populations in North Carolina. Their habitats include floodplain forests near swamps or upland forests close to bodies of water. Larvae feed on aquatic invertebrates and other larvae, while adults eat worms and other invertebrates.
Scientific Name: Ambystoma opacumClassification: Nongame speciesAbundance: Common statewidePhoto Credit: Kevin Stohlgren
Scientific Name: Ambystoma mabeeiPhoto Credit: Todd Pierson The Mabee’s salamander is a slender, dark-colored amphibian with white speckles and a brown or grey belly. It is native to North America, ranging from southern Canada to Mexico City. In North Carolina, it inhabits savanna pine barrens along the eastern coastal plain. Adults live in soil near wetlands like bogs and ponds, while both larvae and adults feed on zooplankton and invertebrates.
Scientific Name: Ambystoma tigrinumClassification: Nongame species-State listed as threatenedAbundance: Range is shaded in blue (parts of WakeHoke, Scotland, Robeson and Moore counties only)Photo Credit: Jeff Hall
Scientific Name: Notophthalmus viridescensClassification: Nongame speciesAbundance: Common statewide (dark blue denotesrange of red-spotted newt; light blue denotes range ofbroken-striped newt.)