Marbled Salamander Biome

Adults can grow to about 11 cm 4 in small compared to other members of its genus.

Marbled salamander biome.

Marbled salamanders prefer to reside in damp woodlands that are close to floodplain pools and ponds. Petranka 1998 unlike most other mole salamanders this species does not breed in water. Background marbled salamanders are distributed across the eastern us from new hampshire to northern florida and west to lake michigan in the north and texas in the south 1 the species generally inhabits deciduous forest and prairie and is absent from much of the appalachian mountains 1 2 in massachusetts it is present at relatively low abundances partially due to being at the extreme. Larval marbled salamanders are difficult to distinguish from other ambystoma salamanders of nh spotted blue spotted and jefferson salamanders.

Adult marbled salamanders breed only in. A small stout bodied salamander this species is easily identified by its distinct black and white patterning across its entire body. They can be identified by their black dark brown body including its venter with light white silvery crossbands on the dorsum. Like most of the mole salamanders it is secretive spending most of its life under logs or in burrows.

These salamanders are occasionally can be found around dry hillsides but never far from a moist environment. They are occasionally spotted on dry hillsides but rarely stray far from moist environs. Female guards the eggs until pool is flooded. Adult marbled salamanders live in damp woodlands often close to ponds or streams.

Petranka 1998 unlike most other mole salamanders this species does not breed in water. Eggs are laid in the fall under coarse woody debris while the pools are dry. Overall they are more tolerant of dry habitat than many other salamanders due to their burrowing ability. The body is black with light bands of varying widths running across the back.

In addition mosquito control efforts including insecticide spraying should be restricted in the areas these salamanders occur. Adult marbled salamanders live in damp woodlands often close to ponds or streams. Marbled salamanders grow to about 3 5 4 25 in 9 10 7 cm in size and are stout bodied and chubby in appearance. The marbled salamander is a stocky boldly banded salamander.

However because marbled salamanders are the only fall breeder larvae encountered in vernal pool habitats in winter or early spring february april prior to other salamanders breeding are likely to. Deciduous and mixed forests adjacent to vernal pools. Marbled salamander locales including breeding ponds and terrestrial habitats should be protected from development habitat degradation and the reduction of water quality. This species is sexually dimorphic males tend to have white crossbands and females tend to have gray silvery crossbands.

What kind of habitat do they need. Habitat photo for marbled salamander courtesy of rebecca chalmers. These salamanders are occasionally can be found around dry hillsides but never far from a moist environment.