Identification
The Jefferson Salamander is a long, thin salamander, with adults reaching lengths
of 10.7-21 cm (4.2-8.3 in). They vary in color from dark brown, brownish-gray,
or slate-gray, and tend to have bluish flecks along the sides of their body
and tail, as well as on their legs. Because of this, they are often hard to
distinguish between the Blue-spotted
Salamander, which they are known to hybridize with.
Distribution and Status
The range of the Jefferson Salamander extends from southern New England, New
York, and Pennsylvania, and west through southern Indiana and northern Kentucky.
There is also a disjunct population in southern Ontario. Hybridization with
the Blue-spotted Salamander occurs from Nova Scotia west to northern Wisconsin.
In the Midwest, the Jefferson Salamander is found in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois,
where it is listed as State Threatened.
Ecology
Jefferson Salamanders inhabit deciduous woodland habitats in close proximity
to fishless breeding ponds. Much of their time is spent buried underground using
or modifying the burrows of small mammals. They also live under or within rotting
logs, under rocks or in leaf litter.
Threats and Management Issues
Road construction between terrestrial habitats and breeding ponds is the foremost
threat facing the Jefferson Salamander, and many animals die crossing roads
each year.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Reference guides and websites specific to Amphibians.
Links to more information on the Jefferson Salamander outside the Herp Center
Illinois Natural History Survey
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499