Have you ever wondered about the hidden world of salamanders in Illinois? These fascinating amphibians thrive in the state’s diverse habitats, from lush forests to quiet streams.
Illinois is home to 20 different salamander species, belonging to five distinct families: Ambystomatidae, Plethodontidae, Proteidae, Salamandridae, and Sirenidae.
You might be surprised to learn that salamanders play a crucial role in Illinois’ ecosystems.
These secretive creatures are often hard to spot due to their nocturnal habits, but they’re an important part of the food chain and can indicate environmental health.
From the striking blue-spotted salamander to the unique lesser siren, each species has its own special traits and behaviors.
Want to know more about these amazing amphibians? In this article, you’ll discover the various types of salamanders you can find in Illinois, learn about their unique characteristics, and find out where you might spot them on your next outdoor adventure.
Get ready to explore the wonderful world of Illinois salamanders!
Blue-spotted Salamander
The Blue-spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale) is a unique amphibian you might spot in Illinois.
It lives in wooded, swampy areas with sandy soil in the northeastern and north central parts of the state.
These salamanders are medium-sized, reaching up to 13 cm in total length. You can identify them by their dark bluish-black skin with striking blue and white flecks on the back and sides.
Blue-spotted Salamanders spend most of their time underground. You’ll only see them come out for a few days in March or April to reproduce.
During this time, females lay eggs singly or in small clusters attached to underwater plants.
If you’re looking to spot one, keep in mind their habitat preferences:
- Wooded areas
- Swampy regions
- Sandy soil
These salamanders play an important role in their ecosystem. They help control insect populations and serve as prey for larger animals.
By protecting their habitats, you can help ensure the survival of this fascinating species in Illinois.
Spotted Salamander
The spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) is a unique amphibian you can find in Illinois. It has a dark body with bright yellow or orange spots, making it easy to spot.
You can find this salamander in several parts of Illinois. It lives in the southern third of the state, along the east central border, in northeastern counties, and in the far northwest.
These salamanders prefer different habitats depending on where you look:
- Northern Illinois: Deciduous and mixed woods
- Southern Illinois: Low oak-hickory forests near swamps and creeks
Spotted salamanders are mole salamanders, which means they spend most of their time underground. You’ll rarely see them out and about.
An interesting fact: spotted salamander embryos have a special relationship with algae.
The algae live in and around the embryos, which is the only known example of this in nature.
If you’re trying to tell spotted salamanders apart from other species, look at their belly.
Unlike the tiger salamander, which has a yellowish-black mottled belly, the spotted salamander’s belly is plain.
Marbled Salamander
The marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum) is a unique creature you might spot in Illinois. It’s a medium-sized salamander with a striking appearance.
You can recognize this salamander by its black body with white or gray crossbands. Males typically have whiter bands, while females have grayer ones.
These salamanders are quite stocky, growing up to about 4.5 inches long. Their belly is usually plain black, sometimes with white flecks.
In Illinois, you’ll find marbled salamanders in damp woodlands and forests. They prefer areas with soft, wet soil.
Did you know marbled salamanders are considered keystone predators? This means they play a crucial role in their ecosystem.
If you’re looking for these salamanders, keep in mind they’re more active at night. During the day, they often hide under logs or rocks.
Marbled salamanders have an interesting breeding habit. Unlike many salamanders, they lay their eggs on land in the fall. The eggs hatch when winter rains flood their nesting areas.
Remember, if you encounter a marbled salamander in the wild, it’s best to observe from a distance. These fascinating creatures are an important part of Illinois’ biodiversity.
Silvery Salamander
The silvery salamander (Ambystoma platineum) is a unique species you might spot in Illinois. It’s between 5.5-7.75 inches long and has a slender body.
You can recognize it by its brownish-grey color and many small silvery-blue spots on its back and sides.
This salamander has an unusual way of reproducing. It’s an all-female species that needs to mate with males from other salamander species to lay eggs. The eggs don’t get any genes from the male, though.
You’ll find that the silvery salamander is a hybrid. It has three sets of chromosomes – two from the Jefferson salamander and one from the blue-spotted salamander.
In Illinois, the silvery salamander is listed as endangered. This means you should be extra careful not to disturb their habitats if you come across them.
Remember, these salamanders are secretive and mostly active at night. So if you want to spot one, you’ll need to look carefully and be patient.
Mole Salamander
The mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) is a unique amphibian you can find in Illinois.
This medium-sized, stocky salamander can grow up to 11 cm in total length.
You’ll notice its blocky head, which is larger in proportion to its body compared to other salamanders in the genus.
When you look at a mole salamander, you’ll see it has very large head and feet compared to the rest of its body.
The body color can vary, appearing black, brown, or gray. You might spot gray flecks on its sides, adding to its distinctive appearance.
If you’re trying to identify a mole salamander, count its costal grooves – the vertical indentations along its sides. You’ll find 10-11 of these grooves, which is a helpful identifying feature.
Mole salamanders have an interesting distribution. You can find them in much of the eastern and central United States, from Florida to Texas and as far north as Illinois. There are also isolated populations in Virginia and Indiana.
These salamanders are adaptable creatures. Some populations exhibit paedomorphosis, a fascinating trait where adults retain larval characteristics. This allows them to thrive in different aquatic environments.
Small-mouthed Salamander
The small-mouthed salamander (Ambystoma texanum) is a unique creature you can find in Illinois. It gets its name from its small head and narrow snout.
You can identify this salamander by its:
- Medium size (up to 17 cm long)
- Gray markings that look like lichen
- Protruding lower jaw
The small-mouthed salamander comes in two color variations. One has a dark, indistinct pattern. The other has black and gray speckles on a black background.
You’ll find these salamanders in various habitats. They live in woodlands, prairies, swamps, and even farm fields. Look for them under objects or in burrows.
These creatures are nocturnal. You’re most likely to spot them active at night.
Breeding season for small-mouthed salamanders is from late February through March. During this time, you might see them near water bodies where they lay their eggs.
In your garden, these salamanders can be helpful. They eat slugs and worms, helping to control pest populations.
You can find small-mouthed salamanders in the southern two-thirds of Illinois. Keep an eye out for them on your next nature walk!
Tiger Salamander
The tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) is a large, spotted amphibian you can find all over Illinois. It has yellow or olive spots on a dark background, making it look a bit like a tiger.
These salamanders are big! They can grow up to 6-8 inches long. That’s about as long as a pencil. They can live for 12-15 years, which is a long time for a salamander.
You might spot a tiger salamander in different places:
- Woodlands
- Swamps
- Prairies
- Urban areas
- Farm fields
Tiger salamanders are night owls. They come out after dark to look for food. During the day, they stay underground where it’s cool and damp.
What do they eat? Tiger salamanders love:
- Worms
- Snails
- Insects
- Slugs
Sometimes, they even eat smaller salamanders or baby mice!
In spring, tiger salamanders head to ponds to breed. They might even start their trip in the fall. The babies, called larvae, live in water until they grow up and move to land.
You can tell tiger salamanders apart from other types by their spots and colors. If you see a big salamander with yellow spots, you’ve probably found a tiger salamander!
Hellbender
The hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) is the largest salamander in North America. You might spot one if you’re lucky, but they’re quite rare in Illinois.
These salamanders are big! They can grow 11 to 20 inches long. Hellbenders have flat bodies and wrinkly skin flaps along their sides.
You’ll find hellbenders in fast-moving rivers and streams. They like to hide under large, flat rocks in the water.
Here are some key features to help you identify a hellbender:
- Gray-olive body color with dark spots
- Large, flattened head
- Small eyes
- No external gills (unlike mudpuppies)
Hellbenders breathe through their skin. The wrinkles help them absorb more oxygen from the water.
In Illinois, you might only see the Eastern Hellbender subspecies. The Ozark Hellbender lives in Missouri and Arkansas.
These unique salamanders face many threats. Their numbers have dropped in recent years. You can help by keeping rivers clean and not disturbing their habitat.
Spotted Dusky Salamander
The spotted dusky salamander (Desmognathus conanti) is a medium-sized amphibian you might encounter in Illinois. It grows to about 35-40 mm in body length when mature.
This salamander has a bright color pattern with golden spots on its back. You’ll notice a colored stripe behind its eyes, which is a distinctive feature.
In Illinois, you can find the spotted dusky salamander in the southern tip of the state. It prefers specific habitats:
- Woodland seeps
- Cold springs
- Small streams
The spotted dusky salamander is quick and alert. If you’re trying to spot one, you’ll need to be patient and quiet.
Breeding for this species happens in spring and fall. The female lays 10 to 20 eggs in nests near water. She stays with the eggs to protect them.
You should know that the spotted dusky salamander is endangered in Illinois. It’s only found in two counties, at the western edge of its range.
If you’re lucky enough to see one, remember to observe from a distance. These salamanders play an important role in their ecosystem and need protection.
Southern Two-lined Salamander
The Southern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera) is a small amphibian you might spot in Illinois. It usually measures between 2.5 to 3.75 inches long. You can identify it by the two dark lines that run along its back, bordering a wide, light-colored stripe.
This salamander’s body color can vary. You might see ones that are yellow, brown, green, bronze, or orange. The light stripe on its back often has tiny black spots scattered throughout.
When looking for these salamanders, check streams in eastern Illinois. They lay their eggs in April, and you can spot larvae by late May. You’ll find them in or near water, as they need moist environments to survive.
The Southern Two-lined Salamander wasn’t always known by this name. It was first called Salamandra cirrigera when discovered near New Orleans. Later, scientists classified it as a subspecies of E. bislineata before giving it its current status.
If you’re interested in salamander diets, you’ll find these creatures eat small invertebrates. They’ve been studied in agricultural areas, where they play a role in local ecosystems.
Long-tailed Salamander
The Long-tailed Salamander (Eurycea longicauda) is a slender, yellow to orange salamander with black spots. You can find them in Illinois, typically in rocky streams and caves.
These salamanders grow up to 16 cm long. Their most striking feature is their very long tail, which makes up more than half their body length.
Long-tailed Salamanders are nocturnal. During the day, they hide under rocks or logs. At night, they come out to hunt for small insects and other invertebrates.
You might spot these salamanders in:
- Swift streams in wooded areas
- Springs
- Cave entrances
If you’re lucky enough to see one, watch how fast it moves! Long-tailed Salamanders are quick and agile.
An interesting fact: these salamanders can drop their tails to escape predators. The tail will keep moving to distract the threat while the salamander escapes.
Unlike some other salamanders, Long-tailed Salamanders don’t show territorial behavior. This means you might find several of them in the same area.
Cave Salamander
The cave salamander (Eurycea lucifuga) is a unique creature you can find in southern Illinois. It gets its name from its habit of living in and around caves and spring-fed cypress swamps.
You’ll notice these salamanders by their bright orange or red-orange color. They have black spots scattered over their back and sides. Their tails are very long compared to their body length.
Cave salamanders typically measure 4 to 6 inches in length. They’re slippery and quick, which helps them escape predators.
These amphibians are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night. If threatened, they may wave their tail as a distraction technique.
You can spot cave salamanders in different habitats:
- Inside caves
- Under rocks and logs
- In rock crevices along riversides
- Rocky borders of cypress swamp areas
Breeding for cave salamanders happens in spring and fall. Female salamanders can lay between 50 to 90 eggs in water.
If you’re interested in salamander health, it’s worth noting that a study found nematodes in 77% of tested salamanders. This shows how these creatures interact with their environment.
Four-toed Salamander
You can spot a four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) by its unique features.
This small creature averages 3-4 inches in length and has a special trait that sets it apart from other salamanders.
As its name suggests, the four-toed salamander has four toes on each foot.
This is unusual, as most salamanders have five toes on their hind feet. You can use this feature to easily identify them.
Another interesting characteristic is the circular constriction at the base of its tail.
This allows the salamander to break free from its tail if caught by a predator, giving it a chance to escape.
The four-toed salamander has a distinctive appearance:
- White underbelly with black dots
- Reddish-brown or grayish-brown back
- Short, wide head
- Prominent eyes
You might find these salamanders in moist, wooded areas near ponds or streams.
They prefer habitats with plenty of moss and rotting logs, which provide shelter and breeding sites.
When you’re out exploring Illinois’ forests, keep an eye out for this unique salamander.
Its special features make it a fascinating creature to observe in the wild.
Eastern Red-backed Salamander
The Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is a small, slender creature you might find in Illinois. It usually grows to 2.25-4 inches long.
You can spot this salamander by its unique features:
- A long tail
- 18-20 costal grooves on its sides
- A “salt and pepper” belly without orange marks
This species comes in two main color variations:
- Red-backed: Has a straight, rust-colored stripe down its back and tail
- Lead-back: Lacks the red stripe, often appearing dark and speckled
You might be surprised to learn that Eastern Red-backed Salamanders are born fully formed. Unlike many amphibians, they don’t go through a tadpole stage.
These salamanders are terrestrial, meaning they live on land. You can find them in forests, hiding under logs or rocks.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one, you might see it hunting. Eastern Red-backed Salamanders eat small insects and other invertebrates. Their diet includes worms, sowbugs, centipedes, and spiders.
Northern Zigzag Salamander
The Northern Zigzag Salamander (Plethodon dorsalis) is a small, slender creature you might spot in Illinois forests. It averages 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length.
You can identify this salamander by its distinctive back pattern. Look for a zigzag, lobed, straight, or wavy red or yellow stripe running down its spine. The belly has a mottled orange or red coloration.
If you’re searching for these salamanders, check wooded hillsides. You’ll often find them hiding under rocks. During dry spells, they may retreat underground to stay moist.
The Northern Zigzag Salamander is part of the Plethodontidae family, the most diverse salamander family in the world. These salamanders don’t have lungs – they breathe through their skin and mouth lining.
You can find this species in several U.S. states:
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Alabama
- Mississippi
Be aware that the Northern Zigzag Salamander faces threats. Habitat loss is a significant concern for this species. You can help by supporting conservation efforts that protect their forest homes.
Northern Slimy Salamander
The Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) is a common woodland salamander in the southern half of Illinois. You can spot this creature by its black body covered in white or silvery spots.
This salamander gets its name from the sticky substance it secretes when threatened. The slime helps protect it from predators.
P. glutinosus belongs to a group of 14 similar species called the Plethodon glutinosus complex. These salamanders differ in size, shape, and where they live.
You’ll find Northern Slimy Salamanders in forests, often hiding under logs or rocks. They come out at night to hunt for small insects and other invertebrates.
When it’s time to breed, females lay 10-20 eggs in rotten logs or rock crevices.
Unlike many amphibians, these salamanders skip the tadpole stage. The young hatch is fully formed and ready for life on land.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one, remember to look, but don’t touch. Their sensitive skin can absorb harmful substances from your hands.
Mudpuppy
The mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is a unique salamander you can find in Illinois waters.
It stands out from other salamanders because of its bushy external gills that it keeps throughout its life.
You can spot a mudpuppy by looking for these key features:
- Length: 8 to 13 inches on average
- Four toes on each foot (most salamanders have five on their hind feet)
- Dark stripe running through the eye
- Gray or rust-brown body color
- Blue-black spots scattered on its back
Mudpuppies live entirely in the water. You might find them in lakes, rivers, and ponds across parts of North America.
Unlike many salamanders, mudpuppies don’t go through metamorphosis. They keep their juvenile features as adults, a process called paedomorphosis.
When you’re trying to tell mudpuppies apart from other aquatic salamanders, remember the toe count.
Mudpuppies have four toes on their hind feet, while most others have five.
These fascinating creatures play an important role in aquatic ecosystems. By protecting mudpuppy habitats, you help maintain the health of Illinois waterways.
Eastern Newt
The Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) is a fascinating salamander found in parts of Illinois. You can spot these creatures in the northern third, southern third, and some central areas of the state.
These salamanders have a unique life cycle with both land and water stages.
As juveniles, they’re known as red efts and live on land. Their bright orange color makes them easy to spot.
Adult Eastern Newts return to the water. You’ll find them in:
- Swamps
- Woodland ponds
- Ditches
Adults are active year-round in the water. They have a greenish color with red spots outlined in black.
In spring, female Eastern Newts lay 200-375 eggs. This helps keep their population stable.
You can tell Eastern Newts apart from other salamanders by looking at their sides. They don’t have costal grooves like many other salamander species.
These newts are popular as pets. Some are caught in the wild, while others are bred for the aquarium trade.
Lesser Siren
The Lesser Siren (Siren intermedia) is a unique salamander you might spot in Illinois waters. It has a long, eel-like body that can grow 7 to 27 inches in length.
This salamander has some interesting features. You’ll notice it has tiny front legs with four toes each, but no back legs at all. It also has bushy external gills that help it breathe underwater.
The Lesser Siren’s color is usually dark brown to blue-black on top, with a lighter belly. You might see small black spots on its body, too.
Unlike many salamanders, the Lesser Siren is vocal. You might hear it make clicking sounds or even shriek if it’s upset.
These salamanders are fully aquatic, but they have a cool trick up their sleeves. If their water home dries up, they can form a mucous cocoon to survive until water returns.
In Illinois, you’ll find the Western Lesser Siren subspecies. Keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures in your local ponds and wetlands!
