Streamside Salamander

Ambystoma barbouri

Reptiles & AmphibiansIn the app

They are medium-sized mole salamanders (averagely 6 inches total length) with about 15 costal grooves on their sides. The limbs are thick and have four numbers each. They…

How to identify

They are medium-sized mole salamanders (averagely 6 inches total length) with about 15 costal grooves on their sides. The limbs are thick and have four numbers each. They have a mottled coloration of gray and a small head and mouth. Some specimens have undersides of dull blue that extend to the legs and underneath the jaw. Meanwhile, some specimen have a completely blue background with dark flecks all over the body. Streamside salamanders also have a wide dorsal maxillary process.

Range

The streamside salamander is endemic to North America. They are native to central Kentucky and have a range that extends into some southwestern regions of Ohio as well as parts of southeastern Indiana. There is a small population recorded to be found in far northwestern West Virginia. There are also populations recently reported in the Central Basin of middle Tennessee.

Habitat

They are found in deciduous forests and often inhabit burrows near headwaters with plenty of limestones and exposed bedrock. Shallow, ephemeral streams are used by adult salamanders for breeding and egg deposition. The breeding season is marked with the migration of male adult salamanders to breeding sites from late October to early March. Larvae feed on macrozooplankton and isopods. The adults eat insects and their larvae.

Similar species

The Small-mouthed Salamander (Ambystoma texanum) is roughly similar in size and can grow to lengths between 4.5-7.0 inches. It usually has a dark brown or black coloration with flecking of light-grey or silver or grey blotching in some cases. The head is also small, but the bellies are black. The Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) is relatively long with an average length between 5.5-8.3 inches. It has a slender body and toes and a brown dorsal surface. They have blue flecks – more apparent in juveniles. The Blue-spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale) has an average length between 3.9-5.5 inches which 40% is its tail. It has black skin with blue and white dorsal flecks. They usually sport 12-14 costal grooves.