Situated to the east of the United States, Florida is fairly flat and has an enormous variety of wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, mangroves, and coastal plains. In addition, it has an abundance of forested areas, both deciduous and coniferous.
These features, combined with a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, make it the ideal location for salamanders. Many species of salamander reside in Florida – some, such as the Everglades dwarf siren, are endemic to the state, while others can be found across much wider areas.
This article includes descriptions of both salamanders and newts in Florida. To learn more about the differences between these two groups of animals, check out our article Salamanders vs Newts: What’s the Difference?
Florida Salamanders
1) Frosted flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
The frosted flatwoods salamander can reach 13 cm (5.1 in) in length and has a slender build, between thirteen and sixteen costal grooves, and a small head. The dorsal region of this salamander is silver-gray or black and is covered in white spots, while the underside is plain black.
This species can be found on the Atlantic coastal plain in Florida, and resides in longleaf pine forests, with wiregrass and nearby fishless wetlands. Some populations inhabit slash pine forests, but it appears that individuals prefer longleaf pines – unfortunately, in recent years much of this has been lost and replaced with slash pines. Frosted flatwoods salamanders feed on spiders and earthworms.
Thirty-three populations of frosted flatwoods salamanders have been recorded in Florida – this species has suffered declines due to habitat fragmentation, agriculture, and lack of controlled burns. Habitat restoration is required to help this species recover.
2) Reticulated flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma bishopi)
- Native to the southeastern coastal plain of the US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
The reticulated flatwoods salamander can grow to lengths of 13 cm (5.1 in) and has between fourteen and sixteen costal grooves. This species is quite similar in appearance to the frosted flatwoods salamander but can be distinguished by its shorter limbs and smaller head. The underside of the reticulated flatwoods salamander has a ‘salt and pepper’ patterning, while the dorsal surface is reticulated, with grey lines over a black background.
Ambystoma bishopi occupies the same habitat as Ambystoma cingulatum – longleaf pine forest with wiregrass and the presence of wetlands or pools. Individuals spend the vast majority of their time hidden away underground, usually in the burrows of crayfish, or tunnels that they have constructed themselves. The adult diet consists of earthworms and arthropods, whereas larvae feed on crustaceans, isopods, and arthropods.
Due to occupying the same habitat, the reticulated flatwoods salamander experiences the same threats as the frosted flatwoods salamander: habitat loss and degradation being the most prominent. Careful management of crayfish populations has been suggested as a conservation strategy for Ambystoma bishopi, due to its reliance on their burrows.
3) Many-lined salamander (Stereochilus marginatus)
- Native to the coastal plain of the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The many-lined salamander is small, reaching between 6.4 – 9.5 cm (2.5 – 3.74 in) in length. It is predominantly aquatic, and this is reflected by its streamlined shape, small head, and laterally compressed, keeled tail. The coloration of the dorsum is usually brown, although some yellowish individuals have been recorded – the underside is yellow with darker flecks.
This species occurs in northeastern Florida, with populations having been found in Baker, Columbia, Union, and Nassau counties. Many-lined salamanders prefer ponds or slow-flowing streams, particularly those with an abundance of sphagnum moss. They feed off the bottom of the pond or stream, on invertebrates such as isopods and amphipods. Larger individuals generally tackle larger prey, although some large individuals have been noted to still feed on tiny ostracods.
4) Three-lined salamander (Eurycea guttolineata)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The three-lined salamander can reach lengths of up to 20 cm (7.9 in) but is more commonly found to be between 10 – 15.9 cm (4 – 6.3 in). This species is slender with a long tail that comprises around 60 – 65% of the total adult length – juveniles have a slightly shorter tail in relation to their body length.
Three-lined salamanders are found in the Florida panhandle, where they occupy wetlands, always remaining close to streams and springs. They spend a great deal of their time in the water, and are competent swimmers, although individuals may be seen on land after rain, or during periods of high humidity.
During breeding season, females attach their eggs to the underside of rocks and remain with them until they hatch. During metamorphosis, the larvae resorb the tail fin, lose their external gills, and develop eyelids, to prepare them for adult life in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
5) Apalachicola dusky salamander (Desmognathus apalachicolae)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Apalachicola dusky salamander reaches lengths of around 10 cm (4 in) and has a stocky build, with a long, cylindrical tail that tapers to a vertically flattened tip. The coloration of this species is typically brown, with several pairs of lighter orange-brown spots running down the back, while the belly is generally much paler.
This species is found at the edges of streams, where it sits partially submerged in the water. It is often found underneath rocks, logs, or leaf litter during the daytime, although if disturbed it will dive into nearby water to escape. There is no research on the diet of Apalachicola dusky salamanders, although they are known to be predated on by snakes, large frogs, and larger salamanders.
Courtship behavior in Desmognathus apalachicolae involves the male rubbing his head on the female, and the performance of the ‘tail-straddle walk’ – a behavior unique to salamanders of Plethodontidae. Very little appears to be known about the larval life of this species.
6) Holbrook’s southern dusky salamander (Desmognathus auriculatus)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Holbrook’s southern dusky salamander, formerly known as just the southern dusky salamander, reaches a maximum length of 16.3 cm (6.4 in). It has a fairly stout build, with large back legs, and a laterally compressed tail. The skin is usually dark brown or black, with white spots running down the sides behind the front legs.
This species spends much of its time in water and feeds predominantly on aquatic invertebrates. Individuals are most commonly found in slow-moving streams or stagnant ponds, where they spend much of their time hidden under leaf litter at the water’s edge.
Holbrook’s southern dusky salamanders were once widespread in Florida, but are now confined to just a few counties of the Panhandle and northern peninsula. This decline may be attributed to disease, habitat degradation, or habitat destruction.
7) Seal salamander (Desmognathus monticola)
- Native to the mid and southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The seal salamander typically reaches lengths of between 8.3 – 12.5 cm (3.3 – 5 in), although maximums of 14.9 cm (5.9 in) have been reported. It has a compressed, keeled tail, and fourteen costal grooves – the name of this species arises from individuals apparently looking like seals sitting on rocks. The dorsal coloration is gray or light brown, with dark brown or black markings, while the ventral region is much paler.
This species can be found in hardwood forests, usually not too far from cool streams. Individuals have been observed seeking refuge in crevices in cliffs, and after heavy rain they may also venture further away from water bodies, even climbing tree trunks to forage.
Seal salamanders can be found in northern Florida, although populations may be threatened by changes to water chemistry, erosion, and sedimentation. Ensuring the conservation of connected areas of suitable habitat has been suggested as a conservation strategy for this species.
8) Northern slimy salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
- Native to the eastern and central US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern slimy salamander usually reaches lengths between 12.1 – 17.2 cm (4.76 – 6.77 in), although individuals up to 20.6 cm (8.1 in) have been recorded. This species usually has sixteen costal grooves, and has a rounded, prehensile tail. Coloration is typically blue-black with numerous small silvery spots across the dorsum – the tail is slightly lighter in color than the body.
Plethodon glutinosus is found in northern Florida, typically occupying moist hardwood forests or ravines, where it hides underneath rocks and logs during the daytime. By night these salamanders venture out to feed on terrestrial invertebrates such as arachnids, beetles, and snails.
Northern slimy salamanders display several antipredator mechanisms, such as their nocturnal habits, vocalization, and flipping over in response to a predator. However, their most well-known strategy is to secrete a sticky substance, which can incapacitate their attacker.
9) Southeastern slimy salamander (Plethodon grobmani)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The southeastern slimy salamander can reach lengths of up to 17 cm (6.7 in) and has a fairly stout build with a broad head, and fourteen costal grooves. This species is black in color, with scattered white spots down the back and tail, and a hint of gold sprinkled on the head.
Plethodon grobmani is found from northern to central Florida and is absent from the south. It was first named as a distinct species in 1949, due to differing locality and morphological features when compared to other members of Plethodon. These salamanders reside in hardwood forests, although are quite tolerant to habitat alteration, and are often found in other locations as well.
10) Red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concerned
Red salamanders are large, capable of reaching lengths of 18 cm (7 in). They have a stout build, with a short tail, short limbs, and sixteen or seventeen costal grooves. As the name suggests, their skin is bright red with black spots. There are four subspecies of Pseudotriton ruber: the southern red salamander is most likely to be seen in Florida (Pseudotriton ruber vioscai).
Populations can be found in the Florida panhandle, where they reside in forests, usually near streams or springs. They feed nocturnally on a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate prey – occasionally eating other salamanders, and in turn are predated on by snakes, birds, and small mammals such as raccoons.
11) Eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The eastern tiger salamander is one of the largest salamander species in the United States, with maximum lengths of 33 cm (13 in). It has a sturdy build with a long tail, and is typically dark brown in color, with small yellow spots and bars across the dorsum.
Ambystoma tigrinum can be found in northern Florida, where it occupies sandy pine barren areas, usually in close proximity to pools for breeding. These salamanders spend much of their time hidden in burrows underground, an effective antipredator strategy that also keeps them cool when the temperature rises. However, after heavy rain they will venture out, feeding on small crustaceans or insect larvae.
12) Marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
Marbled salamanders reach lengths of between 9 – 10.7 cm (3.5 – 4.2 in) and have a stout build and eleven costal grooves. The coloration is black, and there are between four and seven bands across the dorsum – these are white in males, and gray in females, and are not present in juveniles. There may be slight hints of brown on the chin and legs.
This species is only found in northern Florida, where they prefer to reside in sandy deciduous woodlands, although they have also been found in more swampy habitats too. Adults feed on a great variety of terrestrial invertebrates, while juveniles typically consume zooplankton and the larvae of spotted salamanders.
13) Bog dwarf salamander (Eurycea sphagnicola)
- Native to the lower southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)
The bog dwarf salamander is very small and slender, reaching just 6.7 cm (2.6 in) in length. It is a terrestrial species that has four toes on the hind foot, and between twelve and fourteen costal grooves. The skin is bronze or coppery across the dorsum, with a paler ventral region, and some individuals may show dorsal striping, while others do not have any markings.
Eurycea sphagnicola is found at the far western end of the Panhandle, west of the Choctawhatchee River drainage in Florida, where it primarily occupies wetland habitat. This species is commonly associated with sphagnum moss and pitcher plants. The conservation status of the bog dwarf salamander is unknown, although populations are thought to be threatened by habitat destruction and the construction of roads.
14) Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
Ambystoma maculatum is a large species, attaining lengths of between 15 – 24 cm (6 – 9.5 in). Individuals have twelve costal grooves, and there is slight sexual dimorphism, with males being just a little slimmer than females. The skin is dark gray, brown, or black, with two rows of orange or yellow spots running down the back, while the underside is gray.
Spotted salamanders occupy hardwood forests or swamps, where they burrow in close proximity to water. They are very secretive and tend to lay their eggs in shallow water to avoid predation by fish, although the eggs may also be predated on by other salamander larvae or tadpoles. Adults are predated by mammals such as raccoons and weasels.
15) One-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma pholeter)
- Native to Florida, Georgia, and Alabama
- Family: Amphiumidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Near threatened
The one-toed amphiuma usually grows to between 22 – 33 cm (8.7 – 13 in) and is the smallest member of the Amphiuma complex. As the name suggests, individuals have just one toe on each of their tiny limbs. The coloration of this species is gray or brown, and males and females are very similar in appearance.
Most of this species’ range exists within Florida – it prefers the muddy banks of ponds or streams, where it consumes bivalve mollusks and aquatic arthropods. Comparatively little is known about the life history of the one-toed amphiuma, due to it having such a secretive nature.
16) Two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Amphiumidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
Two-toed amphiumas are the longest salamander species in the United States, reaching lengths of up to 116 cm (3 ft 10 in), and are entirely aquatic with an eel-like appearance. This species has between fifty-seven and sixty costal grooves, a laterally compressed tail, and tiny limbs with just two toes on each. Individuals are usually black or dark brown in color, with a paler underside.
Amphiuma means prefers habitats with an abundance of aquatic vegetation and tends to be found in shallower water, where it burrows into muddy substrate. A nocturnal species, two-toed amphiumas feed on aquatic insects and insect larvae, although they will also tackle larger prey such as other amphibians, and reptiles.
17) Greater siren (Siren lacertina)
- Native to the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains
- Family: Sirenidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
Greater sirens are typically found at lengths of between 50 – 70 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 3.6 in), although they can grow even larger than this. They have between thirty-six and forty costal grooves, no hind limbs, and external gills – adaptations that enable them to live an entirely aquatic lifestyle. The skin is usually olive-green or gray, with yellow flecks.
The greater siren is found throughout Florida, usually being located in water bodies with little to no current, where there is plenty of aquatic vegetation and muddy substrate. This species is tolerant of changing conditions and can undergo aestivation, meaning that it can survive in seasonal wetlands.
18) Southern dwarf siren (Pseudobranchus axanthus)
- Endemic to Florida
- Family: Sirenidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The maximum length of the southern dwarf siren is 25 cm (9.8 in). Individuals have between twenty-nine and thirty-seven costal grooves and lack hindlimbs. The skin is brown-black to gray, with yellow stripes running from the head to the tail.
This species is found exclusively in Florida, where it resides in ditches, swamps, and marshes – individuals are often associated with water hyacinths. Southern dwarf sirens consume a diet of chironomids, amphipods, and ostracods, although they have been reported to swallow any invertebrate they can fit in their mouth.
19) Everglades dwarf siren (Pseudobranchus axanthus belli)
- Endemic to Florida
- Family: Sirenidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Everglades dwarf siren is a subspecies of the southern dwarf siren, found only in the swamps, marshes, and prairies surrounding Lake Okeechobee. This species has between twenty-nine to thirty-three costal grooves, small forelimbs with three toes each, and external gills – suiting its aquatic lifestyle. Its coloration is brown, with a lighter dorsal stripe, while the underside is gray.
The diet of the Everglades dwarf siren includes oligochaetes, amphipods, and ostracods. Although this species is not known to be declining, populations may be threatened by habitat destruction or agriculture.
20) Northern dwarf siren (Pseudobranchus striatus)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Sirenidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern dwarf siren is the smallest member of Pseudobranchus, reaching lengths between 10 – 25 cm (4 – 9.8 in). Key distinguishing features of this species include its external gills, the presence of three toes on each of the forelimbs, and a complete lack of hindlimbs. Individuals have a slender build and a laterally compressed tail, and are usually black or brown in color, with lines of yellow running from the head to the tip of the tail.
This species is found throughout Florida and is commonly associated with water hyacinths in shallow ponds or swamps, where it feeds on invertebrates found close to the substrate. During droughts, the northern dwarf siren buries itself in the muddy substrate, where it forms a mucus cocoon around itself.
21) Lesser siren (Siren intermedia)
- Native to the eastern US and Mexico
- Family: Sirenidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
Lesser sirens can attain lengths of up to 69 cm (2 ft 3 in), and possess a number of neotenic features, such as external gills and a lack of hindlimbs. These salamanders are wholly aquatic – it is very rare that they venture out of the water, and usually, this only occurs during extreme circumstances such as drought. Individuals have four toes on each of the forelimbs and are usually olive-green to black in color.
Siren intermedia is found throughout the northern half of Florida, where it occupies shallow, warm waters with plenty of vegetation, usually in wetlands or slow-moving backwaters. Females lay their eggs among the aquatic plants, where the larvae and juveniles remain for some time, feeding on zooplankton and hiding from predators.
22) Reticulated siren (Siren reticulata)
- Endemic to the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, and southwestern Georgia
- Family: Sirenidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)
The reticulated siren was only discovered in 2018, having been found to be genetically and morphologically distinct from the greater and lesser sirens. It can reach lengths of 60 cm (2 ft) and has been informally referred to as the leopard eel, due to the striking reticulated patterning across its dorsum. The head of this species is small, and it has large external gills that resemble Christmas trees.
Current research on the reticulated siren is limited, but individuals have so far been found to reside in freshwater marshes, clearwater streams, and blackwater streams. This species has not yet been assessed or assigned a status by the IUCN, however, potential threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, and pollution from pesticides or fertilizers.
23) Rusty mud salamander (Pseudotriton montanus floridanus)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)
The rusty mud salamander is a subspecies of the mud salamander (Pseudotriton montanus). It is a highly secretive species, thus comparatively little is known about its ecology. Individuals can be found in northern Florida – as the name suggests, they are often found associated with muddy areas of swamps or streams, where they are thought to feed on invertebrates and the occasional small salamander.
Rusty mud salamanders reach around 12 cm (4.7 in) in length and have a stout build with short limbs. The skin is reddish-brown – Pseudotriton montanus floridanus can be distinguished from other subspecies as it is typically darker in color and lacks spots on the dorsum. The underside is pinkish-orange and has some scattered spots.
24) Gulf Coast mud salamander (Pseudotriton montanus flavissimus)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)
The Gulf Coast mud salamander is a secretive species that is rarely seen. This salamander can be found in western Florida, where it occupies muddy lowland swamps and hides underneath logs or leaf litter. The diet of this species is unknown, although has been suggested to include other, smaller salamanders.
Gulf Coast mud salamanders can be discriminated from other mud salamanders by their smaller size and more slender build. Its coloration is reddish-brown, and this subspecies lacks ventral spotting, although there may be some spots on the dorsum – these are usually widely spaced. There is also slight sexual dimorphism in this species, with females being a little larger than males.
25) Striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Salamandridae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Near threatened
The striped newt reaches lengths between 5 – 10 cm (2 – 4 in). The adult is typically olive or brown in color, with two red stripes down the back, while the underside is yellow with black spots. Efts are a dull orange color with red stripes, and have rough skin, while larvae are greenish-brown.
Notophthalmus perstriatus is found in northern Florida, in the Panhandle, and the Peninsula, where it resides in upland habitats such as sandhills or flatwoods. These habitats are heavily dependent on burning for their maintenance, thus prescribed fires may be used as a conservation strategy for this species.
26) Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
- Native to eastern North America
- Family: Salamandridae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
Eastern newts reach lengths of 7 – 12.5 cm (2.8 – 5 in). Adults are well camouflaged, with an olive-green back, yellow underside, and numerous black spots covering the skin. They also have a laterally compressed tail fin, which comprises up to 50% of the total length of the individual. Efts are a striking reddish-brown color, a feature that deters predators.
This species can be found in deciduous or coniferous woodland – efts are terrestrial, while adults and larvae occupy muddy-bottomed freshwater ponds or streams. Efts produce tetrodotoxin, which makes them unpalatable to predators, and can in some cases produce irritation. However, some predators such as bullfrogs will still consume them.
27) Central newt (Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Salamandridae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
Adult central newts can attain lengths of up to 14 cm (5.5 in), although are more commonly found to be between 5.7 – 12 cm (2.2 – 4.7 in). They have an olive-brown dorsum and a yellow underside, with small black spots scattered across the entire body – some individuals also display tiny red spots encircled in black on either side of the spine.
The central newt can be found in the north of Florida, where it lives in woodland ponds or swamps. Efts are terrestrial and may venture far from their original pond, hiding underneath rocks or logs to avoid predators and search for small snails and insects. The adult diet includes mollusks, crustaceans, leeches, salamander larvae, and tadpoles.
28) Peninsula newt (Notophthalmus viridescens piaropicola)
- Endemic to peninsular Florida
- Family: Salamandridae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)
The Peninsula newt is a subspecies of Notophthalmus viridescens and can attain lengths of 12.4 cm (4.9 in). It is very dark olive-green in color, with some individuals being almost black, and lacks the red spots seen in other subspecies. The underside of this newt displays abundant black spots.
Peninsula newts are found in peninsular Florida, where they occupy aquatic habitats. Very little is known about the ecology of this species, but it has been suggested that it skips the eft phase, transitioning straight from larvae to adult, and spends as little time in terrestrial habitats as possible. The diet of these salamanders likely consists of small aquatic invertebrates.
29) Georgia blind salamander (Eurycea wallacei)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Endangered
The Georgia blind salamander is small, reaching just 7.6 cm (3 in) in length. This species is paedomorphic and is pinkish white in color, with red external gills. Individuals have twelve or thirteen costal grooves, a broad head, and slender legs. Due to their cave-dwelling habits, these salamanders are rarely seen, thus, very little is known about them.
This species is only found in Florida and Georgia and is endangered. Factors suggested to contribute to this decline include fluctuations in the water table and water pollution, largely due to agricultural run-off. Disease has also been suggested to play a role.
