Indiana is located in the Midwestern United States. This state experiences cold winters and hot, humid summers, with temperatures generally being much warmer towards the south. The presence of Lake Michigan to the north results in a high level of precipitation in the state, including more snowfall during the winter months.
There is a diverse range of habitats present in Indiana, including large swathes of forest, grassland, and wetlands with many rivers and streams running through them. The state borders Lake Michigan in the north and also hosts a number of other small lakes. A wide variety of salamander species can be found in Indiana, each occupying its own niche within the ecosystem.
Indiana Salamanders
1) Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The spotted salamander is fairly large, reaching lengths of 15 – 25 cm (5.9 – 9.8 in). Individuals have 11 – 13 costal grooves and are stoutly built with thick bodies. This species is dark gray or black in color, with two irregular lines of yellow spots running down the back, while the underside is slightly paler in color. Some populations also display bright orange markings on the head.
In Indiana, Ambystoma maculatum can be found in areas of preserved forest, with an overall patchy distribution across the state. This species occupies deciduous or mixed forests with nearby vernal pools for breeding – research has found that individuals can identify suitable habitats by the substrate. They often spend much of their time underneath logs or buried in leaf litter.
Adults migrate to breeding pools in late winter or early spring, especially on rainy nights. To maximize the success of their reproduction, they avoid depositing eggs in ponds with fish – although the method they use to detect the fish is unknown: studies have revealed that olfactory cues are ineffective in deterring salamanders from laying their eggs in particular areas.
2) Small-mouthed salamander (Ambystoma texanum)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The small-mouthed salamander grows to 11 – 19 cm (4.3 – 7.5 in) in length and has a stout build with a small head and mouth. Individuals have 15 costal grooves, and there is a distinctive groove running between the nostril and the lip, which can be used to distinguish this salamander from similar species. The coloration of small-mouthed salamanders is dark brown or black with a mottled gray pattern that is particularly prominent on the dorsum and the lower sides.
Ambystoma texanum is widely distributed in Indiana and is typically located in flat, seasonally wet areas. During breeding season this species prefers ponds with abundant vegetation in which to deposit its eggs. Individuals feed on insects, spiders, slugs, worms, and aquatic crustaceans.
Although the conservation status of this species is that of least concern, it may face threats such as habitat degradation due to conversion to agriculture, or logging. The maintenance of cool moist forest floor environments is essential to the continued success of this species in Indiana.
3) Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Crptobranchidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
The hellbender is a giant, neotenic salamander that attains lengths of 30 – 74 cm (1 ft – 2 ft 5 in). This species has a distinctive shape: it is dorso-ventrally compressed with a broad head and tiny eyes, while the tail is large and laterally compressed, to aid with movement through the water. There is a single gill slit on each side of the head, and the backs of the limbs possess flaps of skin.
Although it was once more widespread, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis can now be found only in particular sections of the Blue River and its tributaries. Individuals reside in fast-flowing streams or rivers with a rocky substrate and clear water – they hide underneath rocks during the daytime, venturing out at night to feed on fish, crayfish, mollusks, and worms.
There are numerous threats to this species: logging, siltation, the building of dams, invasive species, and water pollution to name a few. Hellbenders are listed as state endangered in Indiana and conservation strategies such as tree planting, increased education, and removal of dams have already been implemented.
4) Streamside salamander (Ambystoma barbouri)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Near threatened
The streamside salamander grows to lengths of 11 – 17 cm (4.3 – 6.7 in) and has 14 – 15 costal grooves. The head is small with a rounded snout and its limbs are spread wide and sit flat against the ground. The dorsum is gray-brown or gray-black with mottled tan or gray patterning, and the underside may be slightly paler in color.
Ambystoma barbouri is found at the southeasternmost edge of Indiana, where it occupies upland deciduous forest interspersed with streams, often hiding in underground burrows. This species requires large, flat rocks on which to lay its eggs, and prefers areas with few predatory fish to ensure survival of the offspring.
Threats to the streamside salamander include urbanization, agriculture, logging, and invasive species. Populations are decreasing in number, and the species has been designated as one of special concern in Indiana.
5) Blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
- Native to eastern central North America
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The blue-spotted salamander is a small member of Ambystomatidae, growing to 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 in) in length. This species has 12 costal grooves, and individuals are dark in color with blue spots on the sides and the tail. They have small heads with large, protuberant eyes.
Ambystoma laterale can be found in northern Indiana, and there is one record of a population further south in Jay County. Blue-spotted salamanders are fossorial and are generally located in swampy flatwoods or moist woodlands – they avoid open areas. This species is highly tolerant of cold conditions, however, it cannot withstand freezing; during cold spells, it copes by seeking shelter.
Adults migrate to temporary woodland pools in March or April to breed, where they undergo a brief courtship display in which the male nudges the female. In areas where the range of the blue-spotted salamander overlaps with that of the Jefferson salamander, the two species may hybridize.
6) Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
- Native to the northeastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Jefferson salamander has a slender build and reaches 12 – 21 cm (4.7 – 8.3 in) in length. Distinctive features of this salamander include its long digits and broad snout. It is usually dark brown or gray in color with a paler underside, and there are blue flecks scattered along the limbs and the lower sides.
Ambystoma jeffersonianum can be found in the uplands of southern Indiana and has a limited distribution throughout the rest of the state. This species frequents swamps and ponds in deciduous forests, tending to select breeding pools with abundant surrounding vegetative cover and cool, turbid water.
The conservation status of the Jefferson salamander in Indiana is apparently secure, however this species may face threats such as logging, agriculture, and pollution. Hybridization of the Jefferson salamander with the blue-spotted salamander also presents a conservation concern.
7) Tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
- Native to the central US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The tiger salamander is very widely distributed throughout North America and can be found across much of Indiana, particularly the north. This species occupies lowland deciduous and coniferous forest, as well as open meadows and grasslands. As a nocturnal species, it spends much of its time hidden in burrows.
Ambystoma tigrinum is easily identifiable due to its size and coloration – it reaches 15 – 20 cm (6 – 8 in) in length and is dark brown or black with numerous yellow blotches and bands around the body and tail. The exact shape and patterning of these markings depends on which subpopulation the individual belongs to.
Tiger salamanders migrate to breeding pools at the end of winter, often doing so after periods of cold weather. Males perform courtship displays, following which they deposit spermatophores which are collected by the females. Occasional cannibalistic larvae occur within a population, but numbers are limited.
8) Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Salamandridae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The eastern newt has three distinct life stages, and its appearance varies considerably between each. In the larval stage, individuals possess external gills and are brown-green in color, whereas once they transition to the eft phase, they turn bright orange-red, become terrestrial, and lose the external gills. Adults are aquatic and are green in color with two rows of red or orange spots on the dorsum, while the underside is yellow.
In Indiana, Notophthalmus viridescens is widely distributed, although populations appear to be concentrated primarily in the north and south. The efts occupy open or forested habitat, while the adults are found in permanent ponds. If the water body in which adults are residing dries up, they may seek refuge by hiding underneath logs and will emigrate in search of a new home.
9) Northern slimy salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern slimy salamander usually reaches lengths of 12 – 17 cm (4.7 – 6.7 in) but some individuals can attain lengths of nearly 21 cm (8.3 in). This species is black with extensive white speckling on the dorsum and the sides, with spots often converging to form white vertical bands. The underside is black, except for underneath the tail which is gray.
Plethodon glutinosus can be found throughout southern Indiana, and some populations are also found further north along the western border. This species prefers mature hardwood forests, where it consumes a diet of terrestrial insects, spiders, centipedes, millipedes, snails, and pseudoscorpions.
When threatened, the northern slimy salamander secretes a sticky substance from glands on its lower back and tail. This is hard to remove and functions to deter predators from consuming the individual.
10) Red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
- Native to eastern North America
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
Female red-backed salamanders are usually larger than males, with their lengths being 6.4 – 9 cm (2.5 – 3.5 in) and 5.8 – 9.1 cm (2.3 – 3.6 in) respectively. This salamander has a long, slender body that is dorsally flattened, whereas the tail is almost cylindrical in shape. As the name suggests, there is a wide, bright red band running down the dorsum, while the sides are dark gray.
Plethodon cinereus can be found throughout Indiana, with the exception of the northwestern sand prairie region. Individuals occupy moist forests and forested hillsides, where they spend much of their time hiding underneath rocks or logs. They will also burrow into the substrate, sometimes going down to depths of 30 cm (1 ft).
Common prey items of the red-backed salamander include beetles, springtails, snails, and insect larvae. The foraging abilities of individuals are dependent on both genetics and learned experience.
11) Marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The marbled salamander ranges in length from 7.6 – 12.1 cm (3 – 4.76 in), with females usually being slightly larger than males. This salamander has a stout build and is black in color, with wide pale blotches and bands across the dorsum. Males display bright silver bands, whereas in females the markings are a duller gray.
Ambystoma opacum is most frequently found in the lowlands of southwestern Indiana and the hills of south-central Indiana, although some populations are also present in the southeast of the state. Individuals feed on worms, slugs, snails, millipedes, crickets, beetles, and ants.
This species is different from many other salamanders due to the fact that it reproduces terrestrially and exhibits parental care, with the female remaining with the eggs until they have been sufficiently covered by rainwater.
12) Southern two-lined salamander (Eurycea cirrigera)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The southern two-lined salamander attains lengths of 6.4 – 9.5 cm (2.5 – 3.7 in), although a record of 11 cm (4.3 in) has been reported. This salamander has a slender build with a long tail, and individuals possess 14 costal grooves. The coloration of this species is tan or pale yellow, with two black stripes running from the eyes to the tail. Males can be discriminated from females by the presence of cirri, which are small protrusions from the nostrils.
Eurycea cirrigera has a very wide distribution in Indiana, found almost everywhere except for a handful of regions in the north of the state. Adults tend to be located near a water source, usually creeks and streams. Interestingly, larvae of this species have been found to grow larger in urban streams than in forested streams – this may be due to differences in prey diversity, however, research into this has not produced conclusive evidence.
Although the conservation status of the southern two-lined salamander is that of least concern, populations may still face threats. These include siltation, water pollution, and land clearance.
13) Long-tailed salamander (Eurycea longicauda)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The long-tailed salamander grows to lengths of 10 – 20 cm (4 – 8 in) and has 13 – 14 costal grooves. This salamander has a slender build and, as its name suggests, a very long tail which comprises at least 60% of the total length. Long-tailed salamanders are yellow or orange in color with numerous lines of black spots on the dorsum. The underside is paler in color and may be speckled with a few spots.
Eurycea longicauda can be found in the southern half of Indiana, where they can be found hiding in caves or underneath logs and rocks at the margins of streams. This species consumes a diet of insects, mollusks, and crustaceans – during foraging, individuals may stray further from the stream and head into forested areas.
14) Common mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Proteidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common mudpuppy is a large salamander that is entirely aquatic. It attains lengths of 20 – 48 cm (8 in – 1 ft 7 in) and possesses red external gills, which vary in size depending on the oxygen content of the salamander’s environment. This species is gray-brown across the dorsum with a paler gray underside. There may be brown or black spots present, particularly on the belly.
Necturus maculosus has a patchy distribution throughout Indiana – due to this species being highly secretive, many of the records are from fishermen who have accidentally caught individuals. Mudpuppies can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats such as lakes, streams, and canals.
Common mudpuppies spend much of the day seeking refuge underneath submerged rocks or logs, venturing out at night to feed on fishes, invertebrates, eggs of conspecifics, and vegetation.
15) Northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
- Native to eastern North America
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern dusky salamander grows to lengths of 6 – 14 cm (2.4 – 5.5 in) and is stoutly built with small limbs. Its coloration is various shades of brown, usually darker across the dorsum and more translucent on the underside. Individuals may display mottled patterning, and there is a white line running between the jaw and the eye.
Populations of Desmognathus fuscus are concentrated in the southeast of Indiana in the bluegrass region. This species can be found in rocky areas near springs or creeks, where it seeks areas with plenty of protective and tree canopy cover. Adults consume a varied diet of insect larvae, ants, spiders, beetles, earthworms, and snails.
Northern dusky salamanders may suffer predation by snakes, raccoons, birds, and even other salamanders. Individuals may produce a variety of antipredator displays, such as immobility, autotomy of the tail, and biting.
16) Green salamander (Aneides aeneus)
- Native to the Appalachian Region
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Near threatened
The green salamander ranges between 8.3 – 12.5 cm (3.3 – 5 in) in length and has a vertically compressed body with a flattened head. The coloration of this species is dark, with green lichen-like patterning – the underside tends to be paler than the dorsum. Males can be distinguished from females during breeding season, due to the development of cirri.
Aneides aeneus is rare in Indiana, and populations have only been reported from Crawford County. This species prefers rocky, forested habitats, and in the spring individuals are often arboreal, favoring hardwood trees over conifers. The diet of the green salamander includes invertebrates such as spiders, insects, and snails.
Populations of the green salamander are decreasing. These declines may have been driven by habitat loss, disease, and extreme environmental conditions such as drought. The species may also suffer as a result of a loss of American chestnut and old-growth forests.
17) Spotted-tail salamander (Eurycea lucifuga)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The spotted-tail salamander is also known as the cave salamander. It grows to around 10.2 – 15.2 cm (4 – 6 in) in length and has a slender build with a long tail. The coloration of this species is vibrant orange or red with many black spots across the dorsum, while the underside is usually paler.
Eurycea lucifuga has a scattered distribution in the southern portion of Indiana, tending to be located in forests or caves in close proximity to springs and streams. Common prey items of this species include mites, ticks, caterpillars, pseudoscorpions, beetles, and isopod crustaceans.
Spotted-tail salamanders reproduce between August and October, laying their eggs in underground rimstone pools – the larvae remain here for around six months after hatching, before heading further afield. Increases in the temperature of the larval pool may reduce the reproductive success of this species.
18) Lesser siren (Siren intermedia)
- Native to the southeastern US and Mexico
- Family: Sirenidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The lesser siren is an incredibly primitive salamander; it has tiny forelimbs and no hindlimbs whatsoever, and being permanently aquatic, it has small eyes and large external gills. This species has been reported to reach lengths of up to 51 cm (1 ft 8 in) but is more commonly found to be 18 – 41 cm (7 in – 1 ft 4 in). The body is brown, gray, or black in color with dark flecks, and the gills are reddish.
Siren intermedia has a patchy distribution in Indiana, with a smattering of populations present in the northwest and southwest of the state. This species prefers shallow, calm waters with abundant aquatic vegetation. During periods of drought, individuals will burrow deep into the sediment and secrete a mucous cocoon in preparation for aestivation.
Although the lesser siren is not suffering any immediate conservation concerns, local populations may be affected by the loss of wetlands and the presence of invasive species. They may also be susceptible to the effects of pollution from fertilizer run-off.
19) Red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The red salamander attains lengths of 10 – 15 cm (3.9 – 5.9 in) and has a stout body with a short tail. This species is bright red in color with a paler belly, and its dorsum is covered in small dark spots. Another key identifying feature is the yellow iris.
Pseudotriton ruber is very rare in Indiana – plenty of suitable habitat exists in the south of the state, but no populations have been uncovered in recent years. There are records of a historic population in Floyd County. This species is typically found near springs and seeps among forests or meadows, where it spends much of its time hiding under rocks or logs.
During breeding season, males and females migrate to breeding pools and the male performs a basic courtship routine. The female often remains after oviposition, in order to guard the eggs. It is not unusual for females to attempt to eat eggs from other nests.
20) Northern zigzag salamander (Plethodon dorsalis)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern zigzag salamander is small, reaching just 6.4 – 8.9 cm (2.5 – 3.5 in) in length. This species has a slender build with a long, slim tail, and a narrow head with protruding eyes. The coloration is dark gray or brown, with a paler underside and a prominent red or orange dorsal stripe that forms a zigzag-like shape down the back and tail.
Plethodon dorsalis can be found in west-central, south-central, and southeastern portions of Indiana, where it resides in moist, rocky habitats, usually hiding underneath leaf litter or in caves. This species consumes a variety of terrestrial invertebrates, such as spiders and beetles.
Northern zigzag salamanders have a strong aversion to chemical cues of predators and will seek to avoid these. They also utilize tail autotomy, in which the tail detaches from the body, to evade predation.
21) Northern ravine salamander (Plethodon electromorphus)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern ravine salamander is around 7.5 – 14.4 cm (3 – 5.6 in) in length and has a slender body with a long, rounded tail. This species has 19 – 20 costal grooves and is brown or black in color, with a scattering of silver or gold flecks. The underside is brown or black with a mottled white pattern, which lends the venter a grayish appearance.
Plethodon electromorphus can be found in the Switzerland Hills region in southeastern Indiana, where it prefers well-drained, hilly terrain. Although this species is predominantly terrestrial, individuals are often found close to streams. This salamander spends much of its time hiding underneath rocks, logs, and leaf litter.
Although populations of the northern ravine salamander are stable, they may be at risk of decline due to habitat degradation by deforestation. There is evidence to suggest that this species may also be at risk of contracting ranaviruses.
