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5 Types of Salamanders in Idaho

There are 5 types of salamanders in Idaho on this list, and in total there are around 37 amphibian species in total in the state. Salamanders and other similar animals are important in the habitat they live in.

Small mammals, birds, turtles, snakes, spiders, and other similar animals rely on salamanders as a source of food. Amphibians also help reduce the total number of pest insects, and small invertebrates.

Due to pollution, climate change, and the destruction of essential habitats many salamander species are losing their population.

While there are only 5 salamander species in the state, all of them are essential to their ecosystem. Let’s take a look at the different types of salamanders in Idaho, and the important things you should know about them.

Table of Contents

Salamanders in Idaho

1. Long-toed Salamander 

Black with yellow stripe Southern Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum sigillatum) in the woods
Black with yellow stripe Southern Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum sigillatum) in the woods – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Ambystoma
  • Scientific Name: Ambystoma macrodactylum
  • Other Names: n/a
  • Adult Size: 2.13 to 3.5 inches (4.1 to 8.9 cm)
  • Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
  • Average Price Range: $25

The long-toed salamander is the most common salamander species that lives in Idaho. This species is mainly found in the central, and northern regions of Idaho. Woodlands, meadows, and other moist areas are the places this species lives.  Active year-round, their range covers most of the state, and a section of the western region of North America in Canada and the United States.

Long-toed salamanders have black coloring and a yellowish, or olive-green stripe that runs down their back. They may also have spots and whitish flecks on their sides. Their belly is dark brown, also with white flecks. Long-toed salamanders when born are aquatic and have a dark mottled color of black, yellow, or brown. Once they metamorphosis they become terrestrial.

Females are able to have up to 264 eggs, which have a size of around 0.02 inch in diameter. They are jelly-like and placed in shallow waters. Small larvae are hatched within two to six weeks and feed on small invertebrates like crustaceans, tadpoles, and copepods to grow.

Adults may not be seen often since they live underground in burrows and crevices. When not active they hide under logs, rocks, and other decaying matter. Snakes, birds, and large fish are what prey on this species.

2. Western Tiger Salamander

Barred Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium mavortium) being held in hand for picture
Barred Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium mavortium) being held in hand for picture – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Ambystomatidae
  • Scientific Name: Ambystoma mavortium
  • Other Names: Yellow-Barred Tiger Salamander
  • Adult Size: 6 to 13 inches (15.24 to 33 cm)
  • Lifespan: 15 years
  • Average Price Range: $80

Tiger salamanders live in eastern Idaho and are found in most habitats that are nearby water. This salamander is the only species found in Yellowstone National Park. When born like other similar species the tiger salamander is aquatic, while adults are subterrestrial beings.

They spend their time underground, digging burrows, or living in premade ones. Heavy rains bring the tiger salamander out of their home, and night is when the tiger salamander prefers to forage.

In Idaho and other parts of North America, the tiger salamander is one of the largest species. The bodies of this salamander are dark, brown, or black. Yellowish bars and spots appear on their body which gives them a tiger-striped appearance. Compared to other tiger salamanders the spots on this species are more elongated.

Adult barred tiger salamanders feed on anything small invertebrate that can fit into their mouth. Both adults and larvae show traits of cannibalism. This species is nocturnal, and when active they hunt for things like worms, spiders, other amphibians, and insects.

3. Idaho Giant Salamander

Idaho Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon aterrimus) held over bucket of water
Idaho Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon aterrimus) held over bucket of water – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Ambystomatidae
  • Scientific Name: Dicamptodon aterrimus
  • Other Names: n/a
  • Adult Size: 7 to 13 inches (17.78 to 33.02 cm)
  • Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
  • Average Price Range: n/a

The Idaho giant salamander is found in a small area near the Idaho border and western Montana. In Idaho, they have a bigger range from the watersheds of Coeur d’Alene to the Salmon River. This species has been shown to be difficult to study because of its limited range, and habitat. Forests near rivers are where this species lives.

As its name suggests this salamander is one of the largest in its state and has the ability to grow over a foot. They have robust bodies that are tan or copper colored and have a mottled pattern that covers them. The Idaho giant salamander when born is aquatic and has gills. Once they become adults they lose their gills and are terrestrial.

In the mating seasons, eggs are laid in batches of 135 to 200. It is common for this species to hide under rocks and other debris. Active at night this salamander feeds on frogs, fish, and insects that they find.

4. Coeur d’Alene Salamander

Coeur d’Alene Salamander (Plethodon idahoensis) on edge of a stream with rocks and other debree
Coeur d’Alene Salamander (Plethodon idahoensis) on edge of a stream with rocks and other debree – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Plethodontidae
  • Scientific Name: Plethodon idahoensis
  • Other Names: n/a
  • Adult Size: 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm)
  • Lifespan: 13 years
  • Average Price Range: n/a

A lungless salamander species that lives in northern Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene salamander is a species mainly found in Idaho and Montana. This species lives in riparian zones, waterfalls, and spring habitats. They are named after Lake Coeur d’Alene, and their population is considered stable.

This salamander is medium-sized and has a slender appearance. They have a dark ground color, with a dorsal stripe that runs down their back, yellowish in color. Their stomach and throat also have yellow coloring.

March is when this species becomes active after hibernating during the winter. The Coeur d’Alene Salamander becomes inactive again in the hot summer months. When breeding this species lays between 4 to 13 eggs. The night is when this salamander forages for insects and other small invertebrates.

5. Rough-skinned Newt

Rough skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) found in the woods
Rough skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) found in the woods – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Salamandridae
  • Scientific Name: Taricha granulosa
  • Other Names: roughskin newt
  • Adult Size: 4.3 to 7 inches (10.9 to 17.78 cm)
  • Lifespan: 18 years
  • Average Price Range: $60

The rough-skinned newt is one of the rarest salamanders in Idaho, and they are mainly found in ponds and other aquatic habitats near Moscow Idaho. This species is thought to be introduced to the areas and is not native. The rough-skinned newt is considered an endangered animal, and they have a very small population in the state.

Rough-skinned newts are named after their granular appearance. They have robust bodies with large snouts. Rough-skinned newts have small eyes, gray bodies, and reddish or yellow bellies. This salamander goes through both aquatic, and terrestrial stages in its life.

The rough-skinned newt is a very poisonous animal, using its toxins to defend itself from predators. They have a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, which is the same as the pufferfish. Death can occur if this salamander is consumed, but their toxins are mainly used to protect it from predators like garter snakes.

FAQ

Are salamanders common in Idaho?

Salamanders are common in forested habitats near water sources like rivers, and streams. Not seen often, salamanders are secretive and tend to come out most on rainy nights. They hide under debris like rocks, logs, and in leaf litter. The long-toed salamander is the most common species in the state, living across central and northern Idaho.

Do newts live in Idaho?

The rough-skinned newt is the only species of newt that lives in Idaho. This species is rare in the state, only found in a few regions in ponds near Moscow Idaho. Compared to other amphibians, newts have rough skin, and they are found in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats within their lifetime.

Are there poisonous salamanders in Idaho?

Salamanders use toxins that secrete from their body to defend themselves from predators. To humans, these amphibians are generally harmless, but you should avoid handling them, and always wash your hands if you do.

Handling a salamander and touching your eyes or mouth can cause irritation, but their toxins are not typically deadly to humans. The strength of a salamander’s toxins depends on the species.

Wrapping up

The 5 salamanders in Idaho can be found all over the state. Their appearance, where they live, and behavior can be used to identify and find the different species in the wild.

Some species of salamander make good pets, and you can learn a lot about them when caring for one. You should never take a salamander from the wild since they may be endangered and a part of a greater population.

Idaho has mountains, farmlands, and plenty of rivers that make it a great home for amphibians. Protecting the species that we have now and the habitats they live in is essential in preventing extinction.

Other nearby states

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