Identification
The
Smallmouth Salamander, as its name implies is named for its small mouth and
short head. They are generally black or dark brown in coloration and have a
highly variable grayish pattern that resembles lichens. The ventral surface,
or belly, is also dark in coloration. They generally have 14-16 grooves on each
side of the body (costal grooves).
Distribution and Status
The distribution of the Smallmouth Salamander ranges from northeastern Ohio west through Iowa and eastern Nebraska, south to eastern Texas, and east through much of eastern Alabama. There are also scattered isolated colonies in southern Ohio and southern Indiana. The Smallmouth Salamander is found in every Midwest state except Minnesota and Wisconsin. The species is listed as State Endangered in Michigan.
Ecology
Theses salamanders are most common in the floodplain woods of lowlands, but can also live in more open habitats such as prairies or farmland. They spend most of their time hidden under rotting logs, rocks, or leaf litter, or in the burrows of crayfish or small mammals. They require water to breed and woodland vernal ponds are ideal, but they will also breed in runoff ponds, flooded land, backwaters of rivers, and ditches.
Threats
and Management Issues
Smallmouth salamanders seem to be somewhat tolerant of environmental disturbances,
and are quite common in parts of their range. However, in the northern reaches
of their range destruction of woodland habitat has lead to population declines.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Reference guides and websites specific to Amphibians.
Links to more information on the Smallmouth Salamander outside the Herp Center
Illinois Natural History Survey
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