Week one of our species spotlight shines upon the spotted salamander, or yellow-spotted salamander. Their latin name Ambystoma maculatum, is derived from the terms “amblys” (blunt), “stoma” (mouth), and “macula” (spot). Within the class of amphibians, spotted salamanders fit within the order Caudata, and the family Ambystomatidae, which encompasses all lunged salamanders.
About Yellow-Spotted Salamanders
Like most other wetland-breeding salamanders, spotted’s spend most of their time underground outside of the breeding season. They remain in burrows within forests for winter, emerging to breed in March to April, typically whenever temperatures consistently exceed 40ºF. After emerging from their burrows, these salamanders migrate to vernal pools, a type of temporary wetland, to breed and lay eggs. Their egg masses appear clear to milky-white, and hatch in early summer, typically May-June. Larval salamanders look like tiny axolotls, and feed on various types of insect larvae throughout the wetland. Two to four months after hatching, larvae lose their gills, and metamorphose out of the wetland, migrating to upland forest habitat to burrow themselves for winter.
Located in high-quality habitats throughout Monroe County, this species is most commonly found at Mendon Ponds County Park, Powder Mills Park, Turning Point Park, and the wetlands surrounding Seneca Park Zoo. Although looking for salamanders is incredibly fun, always be sure you aren’t trespassing, and are being safe and respectful of property and habitats. Have care when handling any amphibian, and never take a salamander home, as cute as they are, they belong in the wild.
About Salamanders in the City
If this introduction sounds exciting, join us at the following events:
Hoping to learn more about our local salamanders? Take part in different activities to strengthen your salamander knowledge. Talk to experts, bust some salamander myths, and explore components of a salamander’s habitat!
What’s in That Pond? Interactive event – March 20th
We will bring the ecosystem to you, join us for activities that will allow you to experience a salamander’s habitat through a microscope’s lens!
Find salamanders at the Equinox Jam – March 22nd!
Partake in a salamander scavenger hunt for the chance to win a prize while you listen to local bands and support the work of Rochester Ecology Partners.
Salamander hunt at Mendon Ponds – March 29th (nighttime) or April 6th (daytime)
Looking for more of an adventure? Bring your best rain boots and a flashlight/headlamp to explore one of the most popular breeding sites for salamanders in Rochester. Led by experts and research students, these walks are a great way to get up close and personal with Rochester’s amphibians.
About Alyssa Karsten
This series was designed by Alyssa Karsten at St. John Fisher University for her senior capstone project. Alyssa is a sustainability and biology dual major, with interests in researching local salamander populations, and increasing community accessibility to science and the outdoors. Alyssa has worked part-time alongside REP since February 2023, assisting with Neighborhood Nature and other youth activities. She is incredibly excited to share her passion for salamander conservation with the Rochester community, and can’t wait to see you at our events!
References
Elliot, L. (n.d.). Spotted Salamander. Music of Nature. https://musicofnature.com/mary-holland/spotted-salamander/
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Ambystoma maculatum. (2020, December 18). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/59064/193224401
Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum). (2021). INaturalist. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/26790-Ambystoma-maculatum
Spotted Salamander – Ambystoma maculatum. (n.d.). NatureWorks; PBS. https://nhpbs.org/natureworks/spottedsalamander.htm