Description

Marbled salamanders are medium-bodied mole salamanders found throughout a wide range of the US. They are generally found throughout the state, however, habitat degradation may be affecting their range. This species is easily identifiable with a black body marked with thick white lines. Males generally have fuller, bolder white markings. These salamanders are winter breeders and make their way to fishless ponds and seasonal bodies of water to mate.

Identifying Traits

• Chunky black body with thick white or silver banding

Habitat

Forested wetlands and swamps (Powell et al., 2016)

Behavior

Marbled salamanders, like most mole salamanders, are rarely seen above ground outside of breeding seasons. They can occasionally be found under moist or rotting logs in areas they are prevalent. This species is one of the only salamanders to exhibit parental care of eggs, which are maintained in a “nest” outside of water bodies (Petranka, 1998).

Diet

Various small invertebrates