*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: No subspecies recognized.
Adult Description: Large, robust salamander (maximum 9.8”) with broad head. Slate black on top with two rows of round yellow spots on each upper side that continue onto laterally compressed tail. Spots on head may be orange. Usually 12 costal grooves but range from 11–13. Belly is gray, often with small white to bluish-white spots or flecks that extend onto sides of head and body.
Similar Species:
Species Range: Widespread throughout much of eastern North America, from southern Quebec in Canada south through much of southeast excluding southern Georgia and Florida, west to eastern Texas, and north to Great Lakes region of United States and Canada.
Louisiana Range: Central and northern Louisiana as well as Florida Parishes, but uncommon in parishes of Mississippi River floodplain.
Adult Habitat: Moist forested habitats, from deciduous bottomlands to mixed pine-hardwood forests to even upland pine forests, provided there is adequate moisture and suitable breeding ponds nearby.
Natural History: Spotted Salamanders are active at night and spend most of their lives underground. They prey upon a wide variety of invertebrates, but an occasional small vertebrate may also be taken. Despite having poison glands in their skin, raccoons, skunks, turtles, and snakes are known predators of juveniles and adults. From late December through February Spotted Salamanders migrate overland on relatively warm rainy nights to ephemeral wetlands to breed. Females deposit eggs in firm gelatinous masses in the water by attaching them to submerged vegetation or woody debris or depositing them on the bottom. Each egg mass may have over 200 eggs, but often the number is much lower. Eggs hatch in 1–2 months and larvae metamorphose in about 3 months. Maturity may take less than 3 years. Maximum wild longevity was reported at 32 years in a Canadian population.
Best Time and Place to Observe: For a special experience for those inclined, watch Spotted Salamanders migrate to the filled breeding pond on warm rainy nights in late fall and winter. Alternatively, look for them at this same time of year during the day as they shelter under logs or leaf litter with adequate moisture, usually not far from the breeding pond.
Global Conservation Status: Spotted Salamanders have a relatively wide distribution in eastern North America and a presumed large population, and thus, are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None.
Louisiana Conservation Status: Spotted Salamanders do not have any special status in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I have only found this species in Louisiana from Kisatchie National Forest in Natchitoches, Vernon, Raides, and Grant Parishes. I found this species outside KNF in late 2019 at Walter B. Jacobs Park in Caddo Parish, and in late 2022 at Sicily Island Hills WMA, and finally in the Florida Parishes in Tangipahoa Parish in 2024.
