Blue Spotted Salamander

Blue Spotted Salamander

Scientific Name – Ambystoma laterale

Classification – Carnivore

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 8 – 14 cm

 Speed – Can travel fast

Life Expectancy – 12 years in wild; 32 years in captivity

Mating Season – Late winter or spring

Incubation Period – Around 1 month

Special Features – Secretes toxins at predators when alarmed; females tend to be larger than males

Family Unit – Solitary and secretive

Geographical Distribution – Northeastern United States, Canada

World Population – Unknown; estimated to be more than 1,00,000

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Natural Habitat – Moist, deciduous hardwood and coniferous forests, swampy woodlands, fields

Diet – Snails, earthworms,  spiders, slugs, centipedes

Predators – Fishes, raccoons, birds, snakes, dogs, aquatic animals