A medium-sized woodland salamander native to northeastern North America, characterized by distinctive blue spots on a dark body.
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ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Temperate deciduous and mixed forests, woodland areas with moist understory, near temporary and permanent freshwater bodies in regions from southeastern Canada to northeastern United States
Ecological Role
Critical role in forest ecosystem as a predator of invertebrates and prey for larger animals, contributing to food web dynamics and nutrient cycling
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, moist skin with distinctive blue-white spots on black or dark blue-black background
LIMBS WINGSFour relatively short limbs with five digits, adapted for terrestrial and aquatic locomotion
HEAD SENSORYBroad, slightly flattened head with prominent eyes and external gills during larval stage
BODY STRUCTURESlender body, typically 10-14 cm in total length, with a broad, flattened tail for aquatic movement
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: National Park Service
