Kentucky is situated in the southeastern United States, bordered by the Ohio River to the north and the Appalachian Mountains to the east. The state is characterized by forests, prairies, wetlands, and caves, providing suitable habitat for numerous salamander species. Permanently aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial species can all be found here, each occupying a slightly different niche in the ecosystem.
Kentucky Salamanders
1) Cumberland Plateau salamander (Plethodon kentucki)
- Endemic to the Cumberland Plateau and southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Cumberland Plateau salamander attains lengths of 9.5 – 17.1 cm (3.7 – 6.7 in) and has a slender body with relatively long limbs. The coloration of this species is dark gray or black with white spots, but the throat and chin may be a slightly lighter gray in color.
This species can be found on the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Kentucky, where it occupies ravines, cave entrances, and wooded hillsides. Individuals consume a varied diet including beetles, springtails, gastropod mollusks, pseudoscorpions, and cockroaches. Cumberland Plateau salamanders face a number of threats, such as deforestation and other habitat degradation caused by agriculture and mining.
2) Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The spotted salamander grows to 15 – 25 cm (5.9 – 9.8 in) in length and is sexually dimorphic; females are usually larger than males. Individuals have 11 – 13 costal grooves and possess a very rounded head with protrusive eyes. The tail is long and laterally compressed. This species has smooth, dark brown or black skin with yellow or orange spots across the dorsum, while the underside is gray.
Ambystoma maculatum is quite a secretive species, and March and April are reported to be the best months to spot individuals in Kentucky. During the winter months spotted salamanders hibernate in underground burrows and crevices, although they will utilize burrows throughout the year to hide from predators. In some instances, spotted salamanders have been found to share burrows.
3) Northern slimy salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
- Native to the eastern and central US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern slimy salamander is usually between 12.1 – 17.2 cm (4.8 – 6.8 in) in length, although maximums of 20.6 cm (8.1 in) have been reported. Individuals have 16 costal grooves and are dark gray in color with pale, silvery-white markings on the back and sides.
This species can be seen throughout Kentucky, where it resides in mature hardwood forests and consumes a varied diet of insects, arachnids, centipedes, millipedes, and snails. When threatened, northern slimy salamanders secrete a sticky substance from glands near their tail, which helps to defend them from predators.
4) Allegheny Mountain dusky salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Allegheny Mountain dusky salamander is a relatively small species, reaching lengths of 7 – 10 cm (2.8 – 4 in). This salamander has a slender build with a long tail and narrow head, and males are often larger than females. The coloration of Desmognathus ochrophaeus is variable but usually consists of a dark gray or brown background with pale flecks on the sides. Many individuals also have a reddish stripe running down the back and tail.
Allegheny Mountain dusky salamanders face numerous threats in Kentucky, such as logging, mining, and pathogens. The distribution of this species is limited within the state – it is most likely to be found in moist woodlands and streams, where it hides underneath rocks, logs, or leaves.
5) Kentucky spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus duryi)
- Native to eastern North America
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Kentucky spring salamander typically attains lengths of 12.1 – 19 cm (4.8 – 7.5 in), although maximums of 23.2 cm (9.1 in) have been recorded. This salamander has a fairly rotund body with a short, laterally compressed tail and short, stocky limbs. Its coloration is bright orange, with various small dark spots on the back and sides.
This species can be found in northeastern Kentucky, where it occupies springs and seeps at high elevations. Comparatively little is known about the ecology of Gyrinophilus porphyriticus duryi, but it is thought that adult individuals feed on other salamanders. Populations of this salamander have been designated as ‘secure’ in Kentucky.
6) Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Cryptobranchidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
The hellbender is large, reaching lengths of 24 – 40 cm (9.4 – 15.7 in). This species has a thick, vertically compressed body with very short limbs, and its tail is laterally compressed. Due to being a purely aquatic species, individuals possess a single gill slit on each side of the head. The coloration is greenish or yellowish-brown with dark spots.
In Kentucky, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis is considered a ‘species of greatest conservation need’ and scientists are working hard to uncover information that might aid in helping populations to recover. Interestingly, habitat changes have been suggested to result in increased cannibalism of male hellbenders on their eggs.
7) Eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
- Native to North America
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The eastern tiger salamander is large, growing to lengths of around 20 cm (7.9 in) with a very stout body and a rounded head with small eyes. This salamander has a background coloration of dark brown or black, with pale yellow stripes and blotches wrapping around the body.
Ambystoma tigrinum varies its breeding habitat use depending on the environment – one study found that individuals in shaded ponds sought areas with less vegetation, whereas those in ponds with predators present preferred to occupy the shallows. The diet of this species includes worms, snails, slugs, and insects.
8) Marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The marbled salamander is a stoutly built species that reaches lengths of 9 – 10.7 cm (3.5 – 4.2 in). Individuals have 11 – 13 costal grooves and are dark brown or black in color, with pale bands and blotches across the dorsum. There is subtle sexual dimorphism in this species: males display white patches, whereas in females these are silver or gray.
Ambystoma opacum is a nocturnal species that spends much of its time concealed in underground burrows, or underneath rocks and logs. Individuals have been found to consume a diet including copepods, collembolans, ostracods, and dipterans.
9) Northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern dusky salamander attains lengths of 6.4 – 11.5 cm (2.5 – 4.5 in) and has fourteen costal grooves. This salamander has a heavy build with a small head and protrusive eyes, and its limbs are short and stocky. The dorsal coloration varies from yellow-brown to dark brown, while the underside displays a paler mottled pattern.
Although the overall conservation status of Desmognathus fuscus is of least concern, some populations may suffer due to water pollution and urbanization. In Kentucky, northern dusky salamanders have been found to have poorer body condition in areas with greater habitat degradation.
10) Red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The red salamander grows to around 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 in) in length and has a very short tail. Its body is thick, and the head is large with a rounded snout and small eyes. The coloration of Pseudotriton ruber is striking, a bright red background with numerous black spots.
This species resides in forested riparian areas near cold streams, often selecting areas with slow-moving water and a muddy or silty substrate. The courtship of the red salamander takes place terrestrially nearby to streams, and research has suggested that the sex-recognition of this species is poor, resulting in some confusion when it comes to mating!
11) Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
- Native to eastern North America
- Family: Salamandridae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The eastern newt has three distinct life stages, each of which has differing morphology. Larval individuals are aquatic with external gills, while the terrestrial eft, which is the juvenile phase, is bright red in color. Adults are aquatic and attain lengths of 6.5 – 14 cm (2.6 – 5.5 in) – they display green skin with bright red spots on the dorsum.
Notophthalmus viridescens is reportedly found throughout Kentucky, where it occupies deciduous and coniferous forests – the efts being terrestrial, while the adults and larvae reside in freshwater ponds and marshes. Eastern newts secrete tetrodotoxin, which is a neurotoxin that deters predators.
12) Three-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma tridactylum)
- Native to the south-central US
- Family: Amphiumidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The three-toed amphiuma is entirely aquatic and has an eel-like appearance. It is a very large species, reaching 46 – 106 cm (1 ft 6 in – 3 ft 6 in) in length, and has 57 – 60 costal grooves. The limbs of this salamander are tiny, and it possesses just one gill slit on each side of the head. Three-toed amphiumas are typically gray, black, or brown in color.
Amphiuma tridactylum occupies permanent or semipermanent water bodies, preferring the slower-moving water that can be found in ditches, swamps, or ponds. If these dry out, this species can enter a state of aestivation, during which it undergoes fasting.
13) Small-mouthed salamander (Ambystoma texanum)
- Native to the central US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The small-mouthed salamander attains lengths of 10.9 – 17.8 cm (4.3 – 7 in) and has 13 – 15 costal grooves. This species has a thick body and tail, while its head and neck are small with a small mouth. Its coloration is dark gray, brown, or black, with gray or blueish mottling across the dorsum. The belly may also display some small pale flecks.
Individuals reside on forest floors in close proximity to breeding wetlands, usually spending much of their time hiding in burrows, an effective strategy for avoiding predators. Larvae are often subject to aquatic predators such as fish, but have been shown to detect them using olfactory cues, which can provide them with extra time to seek refuge.
14) Southern two-lined salamander (Eurycea cirrigera)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The southern two-lined salamander is 6.4 – 9.5 cm (2.5 – 3.7 in) in length and has 14 costal grooves. This salamander is yellow or tan in color, with two black stripes running from the eyes, down the back to the tail. Males can be distinguished from females by the presence of cirri, which are small projections from the nostrils.
Eurycea cirrigera is highly aquatic and is most often found in streams, pools, ditches, and damp woods. The habitat of this species is often affected by mining in Kentucky, which causes increased sedimentation and pollution by heavy metals.
15) Long-tailed salamander (Eurycea longicauda)
- Native to the Appalachian Region of the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The long-tailed salamander is around 10 – 20 cm (4 – 8 in) in length, 60 – 65% of which is made up by the tail. This species has a very slender build with 13 – 14 costal grooves, and its head is narrow with protuberant eyes. The dorsal coloration is yellow-orange or yellow-brown, with rows of black spots.
In Kentucky, Eurycea longicauda can be seen in the entrances of caves or mines, with individuals usually emerging during wet weather to forage. This species feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates. Research has found that long-tailed salamanders avoid chemical cues given off by other predatory salamanders, reducing their chances of being eaten.
16) Mud salamander (Pseudotriton montanus)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The mud salamander is a relatively large species, reaching lengths of 15.2 – 20.3 cm (6 – 8 in). Individuals have a thickset build with a small head and short limbs. The coloration is bright red to orange-brown, with black spots scattered across the dorsum. This species is very similar in appearance to the red salamander but can be distinguished by its brown eyes (the eyes are gold in Pseudotriton ruber).
As the name suggests, the mud salamander occupies muddy areas near streams or seeps, as well as swamps and wet forests. This species is reported to mate in Kentucky in September, although it is thought that females do not reproduce every year due to the heavy toll it takes on their bodies.
17) Three-lined salamander (Eurycea guttolineata)
- Native to the southeastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The three-lined salamander is a slender species that attains lengths of 10 – 15.9 cm (4 – 6.3 in). This salamander has a long tail and slender limbs and is tan or yellow in color with three black lines running along the dorsum. The underside is usually yellow or green-gray.
Eurycea guttolineata is usually found in close proximity to water, often hiding underneath rocks and logs in swamps and hardwood forests. The locomotion of this species is affected by the temperature – it moves much less efficiently in colder conditions, showing greater bursts of speed in warmer environments.
18) Common mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)
- Native to eastern North America
- Family: Proteidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common mudpuppy is typically 20 – 33 cm (8 in – 1 ft 1 in) in length, although maximums of 48 cm (1 ft 7 in) have been recorded. Being permanently aquatic, this species has bushy, red external gills and a laterally compressed, fin-like tail. Its coloration is gray-brown across the back and pale gray on the underside, with numerous dark spots.
Necturus maculosus occupies rivers or reservoirs, preferring areas with a muddy or gravelly substrate. Individuals consume a diet of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, vegetation, and even mudpuppy eggs. Populations of this species are often affected by sedimentation and water pollution.
19) Streamside salamander (Ambystoma barbouri)
- Native to the midwestern US
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Near threatened
The streamside salamander usually attains lengths of 11 – 17 cm (4.3 – 6.7 in) and has 14 – 15 costal grooves. This salamander has a very stout build with a thick tail and tiny head, and its coloration is gray or brown with a paler gray mottled pattern on the sides.
Populations of Ambystoma barbouri across the United States are decreasing, although they are apparently secure in Kentucky. This species faces many threats, including development, agriculture, logging, invasive species, and adverse weather conditions due to climate change.
20) Seal salamander (Desmognathus monticola)
- Native to the Appalachian Mountain chain
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The seal salamander ranges in length from 8.3 – 12.5 cm (3.3 – 5 in), although maximums of 14.9 cm (5.9 in) have been recorded. The tail of this species is long and tapers to a thin point, and its build is fairly stout with a broad neck. Its coloration is gray or pale brown, with small dark patches scattered across the dorsum.
This species resides in hardwood forests in close proximity to cool, well-oxygenated streams. Populations usually mate in spring or fall, during which time an elaborate courtship display is carried out. This includes various behaviors performed by the male, such as moving the forelimbs in a circular motion on the substrate, stroking the female’s neck, and nudging her body or tail.
21) Ravine salamander (Plethodon richmondi)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ravine salamander grows to 7.5 – 14.3 cm (3 – 5.6 in) in length, and individuals possess 19 – 22 costal grooves. This salamander is slender with a long body and tail, and its limbs are small and slim. It is dark in color with a speckled bronze pattern across the dorsum, and the underside is dark except for the throat, which displays a paler mottled pattern.
The status of this species is ‘secure’ in Kentucky, and it can be found in moist wooded areas or ravines where it spends much of its time hiding underneath rocks, logs, and leaf litter. The diet of Plethodon richmondi consists of spiders, ants, mites, slugs, earthworms, and beetles.
22) Northern zigzag salamander (Plethodon dorsalis)
- Native to the eastern US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern zigzag salamander is relatively small, reaching lengths of just 6.4 – 8.9 cm (2.5 – 3.5 in). Individuals have 17 – 19 costal grooves, and their tail is relatively short, while the head is broad with protuberant eyes. This species is dark in color with a red or orange ‘zigzag’ shaped marking running down the back and tail.
Plethodon dorsalis can be found throughout most of Kentucky, where it prefers moist, rocky slopes – often seeking refuge in caves or underneath leaf litter. This species breeds terrestrially, and adults have been observed tending to their eggs in Kentucky in June and July.
23) Black mountain salamander (Desmognathus welteri)
- Native to the Cumberland Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau in the US
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The black mountain salamander attains lengths of 7.5 – 17 cm (3 – 6.7 in) and has a stout build with a hefty, laterally compressed tail. Individuals are brown in color with dark spots across the dorsum, while the underside is yellow with some darker mottling.
Desmognathus welteri occupies streams in forested areas, and studies have shown that individuals avoid turbid waters, and are less common near urban areas and roads. This species consumes a variety of aquatic and terrestrial prey, including crustaceans, mollusks, and insects.
24) Green salamander (Aneides aeneus)
- Native to the Appalachian Region
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Near threatened
The green salamander is vertically compressed and has a flattened appearance. It grows to lengths of 8.3 – 12.7 cm (3.3 – 5 in) and has a long tail and long legs. The coloration of this species is black with a yellow-green mottled pattern covering the dorsum – this has a lichen-like appearance and provides the salamander with camouflage on rock faces.
Aneides aeneus is considered vulnerable in Kentucky and faces a number of threats. These include habitat loss, the pet trade, and disease, and their cumulative effects mean that populations of this species are currently decreasing in number.
25) Spotted-tail salamander (Eurycea lucifuga)
- Native to the eastern US and southeastern Canada
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Least concern
The spotted-tail salamander, also known as the cave salamander, attains lengths of 10.2 – 15.2 cm (4 – 6 in) and is slender with a long tail and long limbs. This species is bright orange or red in color with numerous black spots covering the dorsal surface, while the underside is plain yellow.
Eurycea lucifuga is secretive and is rarely observed in Kentucky. It typically occupies the twilight zone of limestone caves and will often climb rocks. This species feeds on earthworms, arachnids, insects, crustaceans, and occasional vegetative matter.
26) Yellow-spotted woodland salamander (Plethodon pauleyi)
- Native to West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee
- Family: Plethodontidae
- Order: Urodela
- Conservation status: Unknown
Comparatively little is known about the yellow-spotted woodland salamander. It is around 5.2 – 6.4 cm (2 – 2.5 in) in length from snout to vent and has 16 – 17 costal grooves. This salamander has a slender build with long limbs and is dark in color with two rows of yellow dorsal spots.
Although this species has not been classified on the IUCN Red List, it is considered to be critically imperiled in Kentucky. Various threats are presented to yellow-spotted woodland salamanders in the state, including logging, mining, pathogens, and human recreational activities.
