Ambystoma laterale (Blue-spotted Salamander) found inside a well-decomposed conifer log.

Found inside a well-decomposed moist balsam fir log in a mixed deciduous-coniferous forest on May 19, 2017. One of the "mole salamanders" which typically burrow into loose soil and rotting wood. I have seldom found this species in the area possibly because of the scarcity of vernal pools which it uses for larval development.

comments (11)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Gary, just want to say you made an awesome entry. We normally need to educate new users into proper sharing but you're doing it right from the start: photo + species ID + location + meaningful description. That's the way to do it, keep up the great work! Posted 7 years ago
1. Gary B
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! I blame it on years of being a field biologist/botanist. Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Aha, nice to learn about your background. Needless to say, whatever archive of observations you've build up, they are most welcome here :) Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Gary B
      
      Lion
      
      I'll be getting my profile updated soon so I'll be less of a mystery. I've been doing this sort of work for about 35 years now and to do it well you've got to be a bit obsessive about taking notes on what you see. Posted 7 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Obsessive is good, the biggest contributors on this platform are obsessive, and I consider it a great quality in describing observations. Also, deep experts are in short supply, so I hope you like the platform. You can always ask me anything if you have a question. Posted 7 years ago
      2. Gary B
        
        Lion
        
        This is a good platform and I appreciate the conversations that go on. My expertise is largely focused on plants especially those found near or around Lake Superior but I have some knowledge of other taxa (I'm always trying to expand my horizons). Posted 7 years ago
        
        Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Even better, Gary, because plants is actually one of the most visible areas where we are in short supply of experts. Not to dismiss of course several members who go out of their way to reliably identify them, it's mostly that other 20% that is troublesome.
        
        Anyway, enjoy the platform. Posted 7 years ago

Barry

Lion

Really nice new species - salamanders are fantastic but hard to see. I have lived in Germany for >30 years but have only seen the legendary "Tiger Salamander" once. Posted 7 years ago
1. Gary B
  
  Lion
  
  What is the German Tiger Salamander? We have a species here called Tiger Salamander. It has yellow stripes over a black body. I think I've seen that one twice in my life but they tend to burrow in the soil. Posted 7 years ago, modified 7 years ago
2. 1. Barry
    
    Lion
    
    I think that in English it is called the Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra) but in cartoons anyway, it is sometimes called the Tiger Salamander. They are large and very brightly colored but nocturnal and very hard to see, Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Gary B
      
      Lion
      
      Okay! I've only seen photos of that one. Posted 7 years ago

The Blue-spotted salamander

The blue-spotted salamander is a mole salamander native to the Great Lakes states and northeastern United States, and parts of Ontario and Quebec in Canada. Their range is known to extend to James Bay to the north, and southeastern Manitoba to the west.

Info 1 0

Similar species: Salamanders

Species identified by Gary B