Spotted Salamander

Habitat: Moist hardwood forests across the eastern United States and Canada. The spotted salamander is a mole salamander and is usually found underground or under logs and rocks.
Diet: Insects, earthworms, slugs, spiders, and other arthropods and annelids.

Size: Usually 6-7 inches long and 1 inch wide.

Classification: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Amphibia, Order Caudata, Family Ambystomatidae, Genus and species Ambystoma maculatum.

The spotted salamander is Ohio’s state amphibian and is quite common.

Salamanders are amphibians which are ectothermic, have gills when young and lungs as adults, can breathe through their skin, and spend parts or their lives both in water and on land.

Salamanders, like most amphibians, have poison glands that help to deter predators.

When escaping a predator, salamanders can drop their tails and grow a new one later. They can also grow new limbs and some organs.

Salamanders are typically found in the Northern Hemisphere, although some species live in South America.

Come see our spotted salamander this month at the museum for one of our Creature Features. All of our amphibians will be on display as we discover the amazing design of these creatures. See the events calendar on our website for more information. http://www.akronfossils.com/calendar-of-events