There are nine salamanders in Maine including a variety such as the mudpuppy, blue-spotted salamander, the spotted salamander, and several more.
Salamanders are amphibians although they closely resemble lizards. As amphibians, they are more closely related to frogs than they are to lizards. Most salamanders start off as larvae and eventually develop into terrestrial amphibians.
However, some salamanders are as aquatic as adults. In Maine, two salamanders are aquatic as adults. These include the mudpuppy and the eastern newt. While mudpuppies are aquatic throughout their life, the eastern newt has a terrestrial stage known as an eft.
Table of Contents
Salamanders In Maine
Family Ambystomatidae
1. Blue-spotted Salamander
- Binomial nomenclature: Ambystoma laterale
- Adult Size: 4 to 5 inches (10.16 to 12.7 cm)
- Conservation Status: Species of Greatest Conservation Need & Uncommon (Maine), Least Concern on IUCN
- Distribution in Maine: Statewide
The blue-spotted salamander has blue spots all over a black background. These spots give the species its common name.
A. laterale is a moderately sized salamander that reaches 4 to 5 inches as an adult. It has a black to a dark bluish background with several bluish spots on the dark and the sides. The spots are most commonly found on the sides.
There are two populations of blue-spotted salamanders. There are pure blue-spotted salamanders and hybrids of blue-spotted with Jefferson’s Salamander (A. jeffersonianum). Hybrids are often indistinguishable from non-hybrids without genetic analysis since they are usually genetic clones of mothers.
It is easy to confuse blue spotted with the eastern red-backed salamander ‘lead-backed’ morph and the northern dusky salamander.
Within the state of Maine, the species is severely threatened and is considered a species of greatest conservation need. While this amphibian occurs throughout the state, its presence is uncommon and it is tough to spot.
Outside of Maine, the species is endemic to eastern central North America from Newfoundland and Labrador to New Jersey to Minnesota and northwards to Ontario.
A. laterale inhabits wooded areas such as mixed forests and deciduous forests. Here they usually live in burrows, and under debris (such as leaf litter), moss, logs and stumps, and rocks.
The species do hibernate during seasonal changes when temperatures fall. They hibernate underground such as in rodent burrows.
The species feed primarily on invertebrates smaller than they are. These include snails, earthworms, spiders, and insects.
2. Spotted Salamander
- Binomial nomenclature: Ambystoma maculatum
- Adult Size: 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm)
- Lifespan: 20 to 30 years (25 years average in captivity)
- Conservation Status: Common (Maine)
- Distribution in Maine: Statewide
The spotted salamander has yellow spots over a dark background. These yellow spots give the species their common name.
This is a moderately large salamander that grows to a length of about 6 to 8 inches as an adult. The spotted salamander has a black to a bluish-black or gray-brown background with several bright yellow spots on the dark and the sides. The spots are arranged in two rows and go from the back to the tail.
The species migrate to vernal pools after the spring thaw – on the first night of warm rain. After mating, females lay up to 200 eggs which are contained in globular masses.
Within the state of Maine, the species is not threatened and is considered to be a common species. This amphibian occurs throughout the state.
Outside of Maine, the species is endemic to most of eastern North America. The range starts from southern Canada to South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas. The range stretches as far west as Missouri, and Oklahoma.
A. maculatum inhabits wooded areas, mainly mature deciduous forests. Here they usually live in burrows, and under debris (such as leaf litter), moss, logs and stumps, and rocks. Hatchlings and eggs inhibit vernal pools.
The species do hibernate during seasonal changes when temperatures fall. They hibernate underground such as in burrows under stumps and underground recesses.
The species feed primarily on invertebrates smaller than they are. These include beetle larvae & adults, earthworms, spiders, and other insects.
Family Plethodontidae
3. Eastern Red-backed Salamander
- Binomial nomenclature: Plethodon cinereus
- Adult Size: 2.5 to 5 inches (6.35 to 12.7 cm)
- Lifespan: 25 years
- Conservation Status: Common (Maine), Least Concern on IUCN
- Distribution in Maine: Statewide
Plethodon cinereus is a small salamander that reaches 2.5 to 5 inches as an adult. The species is spotless. However, there are three different color variants/morphs available in Maine. The most common morph is the red-backed morph which is most abundant; this morph has a bold red, reddish-brown, or orange stripe down its back.
The lead-backed (unstriped) morph has a black or dark gray back. The bright red (erythrocytic) morph has a bright red stripe on its back. All of these variants have dark sides and mottled gray or black undersides.
P. cinereus is one of the most abundant animals in Maine. It is considered one of the most common terrestrial vertebrates in the state and the most common amphibian in the state. The species is so abundant that the biomass of the species is higher than the biomass of moose and deer in Maine.
Within the state of Maine, the species is considered to be secure. This amphibian occurs throughout the state and is common as previously stated.
Overall the species is endemic to northeastern North America from southern Canada to North Carolina. The range goes as far east as Illinois and Minnesota.
P. cinereus inhabits wooded areas such as mixed forests and deciduous forests. Here they usually live in burrows, and under debris (such as leaf litter), moss, logs & stumps, rocks, and in burrows.
They overwinter deep underground such as in rodent burrows.
The species feed primarily on invertebrates smaller than they are. These include beetles, earthworms, ticks, and insects such as ants.
4. Four-toed Salamander
- Binomial nomenclature: Hemidactylium scutatum
- Adult Size: 2 to 3.5 inches (5.08 to 8.89 cm)
- Lifespan: 5.5 years (female in captivity)
- Conservation Status: Uncommon (Maine), Least Concern on IUCN Red List
- Distribution in Maine: Central, eastern, and southern
Hemidactylium scutatum is a small salamander that reaches 2 to 3.5 inches in length as an adult. The species has tiny black spots on its underside. The back of the amphibian is reddish brown. The sides are blackish gray and the underside is white.
The species is known as the four-toed salamander because of the four toes, instead of five, on its hind feet, and is the only salamander in the state with four toes.
H. scutatum is the tiniest terrestrial amphibian and vertebrate in the state. While considered uncommon, they may be more than the records suggest. This is because they are usually hidden and out of sight.
The species breed in late summer and fall. Gravid females lay eggs during the spring in grass or moss that overhang ponds and streams.
Within the state of Maine, the species is considered to be uncommon. This amphibian occurs in the eastern central and southern portions of the state.
The species is endemic to eastern North America from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec to extreme northwestern Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. To the west the range reaches Oklahoma.
H. scutatum inhabits sphagnum bogs, forested wetlands, and forested uplands. They usually live in and under moss, and rotting logs & stumps.
They overwinter deep in underground retreats beneath the forest floor.
The species feed primarily on invertebrates smaller than they are. These include beetles, moths, spiders, and mites.
5. Northern Dusky Salamander
- Binomial nomenclature: Desmognathus fuscus
- Adult Size: 2.5 to 4.5 inches (6.35 to 11.43 cm)
- Conservation Status: Common (Maine), Least Concern on IUCN Red List
- Distribution in Maine: Northern, central, and southern
The northern dusky is a medium-sized salamander that reaches 2.5 to 4.5 inches in length. The species come in several colorations. They are usually black, dark brown, or brownish with a gray ventrum. Some individuals have whitish fleckings along their lower sides. There is a diagonal line from behind their eyes to either side of their jaws. Raised ridges on their tails help them to swim.
The front legs are a lot thinner than their back legs which are quite stocky.
The species is common within the state and can be found in the northern, central, and southern portions of the state.
The species is endemic to the Appalachian Mountains. The species’ geographic range starts from New Brunswick to Louisiana.
The species inhabit seeps, streams, and brooks in rocky landscapes.
Similar to other salamanders, the northern dusky is carnivorous. This amphibian feeds on small invertebrates, both aquatic and terrestrial. Some of the animals it preys on include mollusks, spiders, worms, and insects.
During winter, the species overwinter below the frost level underground. They hibernate close to seeps, springs, and streams.
Compared to other salamanders, the northern dusky is highly aquatic and is considered one of the three stream/brook salamanders in Maine. The other two are the northern two-lined salamander and the spring salamander.
6. Northern Two-lined Salamander
- Binomial nomenclature: Eurycea bislineata
- Adult Size: 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 cm)
- Conservation Status: Common (Maine), Least Concern on IUCN Red List
- Distribution in Maine: Statewide
Eurycea bislineata is a small salamander that reaches 3 to 4 inches in length. Raised ridges on their tails help them to swim. The species is slender/ the dorsum of the species is yellow with dark stripes on either side – from the eye to the tail. These two stripes give the species their common name. The sides of the amphibian are yellowish-gray to gray and the ventrum/underside is yellowish.
E. bislineata is common within the state of Maine and can be found across the state. The species is endemic to New Brunswick and Quebec to West Virginia.
The species inhabit streams in rocky landscapes. They also inhibit the shores of lakes and rivers. Normally, they hide under logs, stumps, and rocks near the water.
This amphibian is carnivorous. This amphibian feeds on small invertebrates, both aquatic and terrestrial. Some of the animals that it preys on include mollusks, spiders, worms, and insects.
In winter, the species overwinter below the frost level underground. They hibernate close to water bodies including seeps, springs, and streams.
E. bislineata is very aquatic and is one of the three stream/brook salamanders in Maine. The other two are the northern dusky salamander and the spring salamander. Unlike the other two stream/brook salamanders, E. bislineata is more tolerant of a wide variety of conditions including temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels. As such, E. bislineata is more abundant than the northern dusky salamander and the spring salamander.
7. Spring Salamander
- Binomial nomenclature: Gyrinophilus porphyriticus
- Adult Size: 4.5 to 7.5 inches (11.43 to 19.05 cm)
- Lifespan: 18.5 years
- Conservation Status: Species of Greatest Conservation Need & Uncommon (Maine), Least Concern on IUCN Red List
- Distribution in Maine: Central and western
The spring salamander is a stocky salamander with an average 4.5 to 7.5 inches in full body length. The salamander is medium to large. The species has raised ridges on their tails that help them swim. The species is pinkish orange in color. There are tiny dark spots on the back and sides. The ventrum is pale tan.
There is a light stripe from the eye to the nostril.
The species inhabits forested areas including mixed forest and deciduous forest. Here they inhabit clear cold rocky streams with gravel.
In Maine, the species is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. As such, the species is rare within the state, The species is endemic to the central and western parts of the state. The species’ range extends from Maine to Alabama. The species is endemic to the Appalachian Mountains.
Gyrinophilus porphyriticus is carnivorous and feeds on invertebrates such as insects, beetles, spiders and mollusks. They also feed on smaller salamanders including northern two-lined and northern dusky.
Family Proteidae
8. Mudpuppy – Nonnative
- Binomial nomenclature: Necturus maculosus
- Adult Size: 8 to 12 inches (20.32 to 30.48 cm)
- Lifespan: 20 years
- Conservation Status: Uncommon & Non-native (Maine), Least Concern on IUCN Red List
- Distribution in Maine: Central
While the mudpuppy isn’t native to Maine. This is an invasive exotic species introduced to the Belgrade Lakes around 1940. Within the state, the species inhabits only large ponds and lakes. In other places outside of the state, the species inhabits streams, drainage ditches, marshes, and lakes.
The mudpuppy, unlike most other species within the order Caudata, is entirely aquatic. It respires using large bushy external gulls that stick out. These gills are dark red in color. The body is brown with black spots which allows them to blend in with their environment. The head is flat and the eyes are tiny.
The mudpuppy is large and reaches a length of 8 to 12 inches.
The mudpuppy is uncommon and found in the central part of Maine. This amphibian is carnivores and feeds on crayfish, fish, fish eggs, and insects.
Family Salamandridae
9. Eastern Newt
- Binomial nomenclature: Notophthalmus viridescens
- Adult Size: 2.5 to 5 inches (6.4 to 12.7 cm)
- Conservation Status: Common & Secure (Maine)
- Distribution in Maine: Statewide
The eastern newt is found throughout the state of Maine. Their wild population is secure and the newt is common. Adults can be found in forested areas and in agricultural landscapes where they inhabit lakes, ponds, and streams. The efts which are juvenile but are fully formed terrestrial salamanders live in forested upland areas. They usually hide under debris piles, decaying wood, rocks, and logs.
There are three life stages to the species these include the larval stage, ‘eft’ stage and aquatic adult stage. The larvae are aquatic and the adults are aquatic. The eft is the intermediate stage. This stage is terrestrial. Some individuals skip the eft stage and go from larvae to gilled adults.
The eft is bright red, reddish orange, or reddish brown. There are spots over the body. The skin is rough and dry. The tail is thin and bony.
The adult eastern newt has a dull coloration. They are yellowish brown, greenish brown, and olive green.
The adult and the eft feed on fish, fish eggs, salamander & frog larvae, leeches, worms, and insects.
The species overwinter in ponds as adults and remain active all year. Efts are terrestrial and hibernate underground in forests during the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of salamanders are in Maine?
There are nine salamanders in Maine. These include the mudpuppy which isn’t native to the state, the blue-spotted salamander which has blue spots, the spotted salamander,, the eastern newt, the dusky salamander, the northern two-lined salamanders, the northern redback salamander, the four-toed salamander, and the spring salamander.
What is an eastern newt salamander?
The eastern newt is a salamander. In fact all newts are salamanders. The scientific name of the eastern newt is Notophthalmus viridescens. This newt is endemic to eastern North America. The newt is aquatic as larvae and as adults. They have an intermediate stage known as ‘eft’. At this stage, they are terrestrial.
What kind of salamanders live in the northeast US?
Maine is located in the northeast US and is home to a lot of salamanders in that geographic region. Some salamanders endemic to the northeast united states include Jefferson, blue-spotted, spotted, marbled, eastern tiger, northern dusky, Allegheny mountain dusky, northern two-lined, longtail, spring, four-toed, eastern redback, northern slimy, red, and Wehrle’ssalamanders.
What is the most common amphibian in Maine?
The most common amphibian in Maine is the redback salamander. It is considered one of the most common terrestrial vertebrates in the state and the most common amphibian in the state. The species is so abundant that the biomass of the species is higher than the biomass of moose and deer in Maine.
There are three morphs of the species. These are the red-backed morph which is the most abundant; the lead-backed (unstriped) morph which has a black or dark gray back; and the bright red (erythrocytic) morph which has a bright red stripe on its back.
Conclusion
The salamanders in Maine include the blue-spotted salamander, the spotted salamander, the eastern newt, the northern dusky, the northern two-lined, the redback, the four-toed, the spring salamander, and the mudpuppy.
While most salamanders resemble lizards, they are amphibians and as such are more closely related to toads and frogs than they are to lizards.
Out of all the salamanders endemic to Maine, only two are aquatic as adults. All the others are terrestrial or semi-terrestrial as adults. The two that are aquatic as adults include the mudpuppy and the eastern newt. The eastern newt is aquatic as larvae and adults but is terrestrial as eft which is their juvenile stage. The mudpuppy is aquatic throughout its entire life.
Other nearby states