Spotted Salamander
Ambystoma maculatum
NH Conservation Status: Not listed.
State Rank Status: Widespread and secure.
Distribution: Throughout NH.
Description: A large dark salamander measuring 4.5-7.5 inches. Has up to 50 round yellow or orange spots arranged irregularly down the back and sides. Base color is generally black or bluish-black.
Commonly Confused Species: Blue-spotted salamander.
Habitat: Mixed woodlands with slow moving streams, swamps, or vernal pools. Adults spend their time underground or under logs, boards, or stones.
Life History: Warm spring nights trigger movements to breeding pools where jelly masses containing 100-200 eggs are attached to submerged sticks and vegetation. Usually breeds in pools that do not contain predatory fish. Hibernate in the ground or under rotting stumps.
Conservation Threats: Loss of upland and vernal pool habitat, road mortality during migratory seasons.