Small-Mouthed Salamander

Natural History

This species is fairly tolerant of humans​, living ​even in some farm and suburban areas. They most like living​ in lowland, floodplain woods, and forest edges. Shallow bodies of water are required for breeding, especially vernal ponds. They ​will also use run-off ponds, floodings, river backwaters, and ditches. Small-mouthed Salamanders like to remain hidden under rotting logs, rocks, and leaf litter. Like other ambystomids, they posses a lot of granular glands on upper surface of tail. Secretions are likely​ toxic.​

Reproduction and Growth

Like Blue-spotted Salamanders, they often migrate to their breeding ponds very early in the year. They remain close to breeding sites to reduce​ length of migration. Females produce between 300-700 eggs laid in small, loose masses of 3-30 eggs each, typically attached to sticks, leaves, or plant stems.

Hatching occurs in 3-8 weeks depending on how hot or cold the water is​​.  The larva transforms in 2-3 months.  Sexually maturity is reached in the second year after transformation.

Conservation

Due to wide habitat tolerance, there can be a lot in some areas. Even so​, they are endangered in Michigan, likely​ because we are at the northern edge of their range. Historic accounts list this species as being present within the City. 

Habitat Type​

• Ephemeral wetlands.
• Permanent wetlands.
• Forests.
• Grasslands and savannas.