Blue-Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale)

Blue-spotted (Ambystoma laterale) and Jefferson (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) salamanders interbreed producing hybrids formerly known as Tremblay's or silvery salamanders (depending on the number of chromosomes from blue-spotted and Jefferson's). It is believed that a majority of Maine's blue-spotted are hybrids. For this reason, there is variability in physical characteristics, egg mass size and shape, and habitat preferences of these hybrids.

Description: Dark-colored salamander with irregular blue or blue-white spots on the sides of the trunk and tail. The head is narrow and tapers to a rounded snout. Hybrids tend to be more brownish. Usually have flecks of the same color on its back. Adults range from 4 to 6.7 inches.

Distribution and Status: Blue-spotted salamander `probably occur all over Maine, however, they are less commonly reported than the spotted salamander. Blue-spotted salamanders are found throughout New England (except Rhode Island), the Great Lake States, and Atlantic Canada. The blue-spotted salamander is listed as a Species of Special Concern in Vermont and Massachusetts and is listed as Threatened in Connecticut.

Terrestrial Habitat and Hibernation: Most likely mimics that of the spotted salamander. Upland forests with ample canopy cover, deep, uncompacted leaf litter, and coarse woody debris to provide shading, a cool refuge, and a moist environment are requisite. Blue-spotted also seek winter cover in burrows. Appear to favor sandy soils.

Breeding Pool: Favor pools with overhanging bushes and grass, sphagnum moss margins or leafy bottoms. In Maine, blue-spotted breeding habitat is similar to spotted salamanders. Researchers in New Hampshire and Vermont more commonly associate breeding blue-spotted salamanders with streamside pools and red-maple-forested wetlands.

Egg Masses: Number of eggs per mass is highly variable. Normal range appears to be between six and 30. They are found either attached to stems and twigs or to leaves on pool bottoms. Consistency of masses is somewhat looser than jello. Egg masses tend to be smaller than spotted salamanders. Morphology and numbers of eggs are variable between hybrids.

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