The Spotted Salamander is known for its vibrant yellow spots on a dark background, making it visually striking in its appearance.
This amphibian is primarily nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt for small invertebrates.
Spotted Salamanders display a remarkable sense of site fidelity, often returning to the same breeding pond where they were born.
With an average length of 6 to 9 inches, these salamanders are medium-sized, featuring a stout body and smooth, moist skin.
When threatened, Spotted Salamanders can excrete a toxic substance from their skin, serving as a unique defense mechanism.
In the wild, they can live up to 20 years, contributing to their ecological role as both predators and prey.
During the breeding season, elaborate courtship rituals and unique fertilization methods characterize their reproductive behavior.