2009 Envirothon2009 EnvirothonAmphibiansAmphibians

Carey EntzCarey Entz

Watershed SpecialistWatershed Specialist

Lycoming County Conservation DistrictLycoming County Conservation District

Pa AmphibiansPa Amphibians

SalamandersSalamandersNewtsNewtsFrogs Frogs ToadsToads

Mole SalamandersMole SalamandersMarbled, Spotted, and JeffersonMarbled, Spotted, and Jefferson

TerrestrialTerrestrial mole salamanders are identified by mole salamanders are identified by having wide, protruding eyes, prominent having wide, protruding eyes, prominent costalcostal grooves, thick arms, and rounded tails. Most grooves, thick arms, and rounded tails. Most have vivid patterning on dark backgrounds.have vivid patterning on dark backgrounds.

Terrestrial adults spend most of their life Terrestrial adults spend most of their life underground in underground in burrowsburrows either of their own either of their own making or abandoned by other animals.making or abandoned by other animals.

Lunged SalamandersLunged Salamanders Adults spend little time in the water, only Adults spend little time in the water, only

returning to the ponds of their birth to breed.returning to the ponds of their birth to breed.

SalamandersSalamanders

Marbled SalamanderMarbled Salamander Although other salamander species in the mole Although other salamander species in the mole

salamander family breed in water, the marbled salamander family breed in water, the marbled salamander does not. salamander does not.

It migrates to a pond before autumn rains begin. It migrates to a pond before autumn rains begin. There, the animal begins to court and mate.There, the animal begins to court and mate.

Each female lays her clutch of 30 to 100 eggs in Each female lays her clutch of 30 to 100 eggs in a dry depression, and the embryos begin to a dry depression, and the embryos begin to develop. develop.

A female usually stays with her eggs until A female usually stays with her eggs until autumn rains begin to fill the pond. autumn rains begin to fill the pond.

When the nest sites become flooded, When the nest sites become flooded, the eggs hatch within a few hours or days. the eggs hatch within a few hours or days.

Marbled SalamanderMarbled Salamander After four to six months, the larvae have grown After four to six months, the larvae have grown

enough to lose their gills (or metamorphose), enough to lose their gills (or metamorphose), and leave the pond to live on land.and leave the pond to live on land.

Adults remain dormant underground during dry Adults remain dormant underground during dry conditions, but they feed during opportune times conditions, but they feed during opportune times and use much of their energy to grow and build and use much of their energy to grow and build up fat reserves. up fat reserves.

Adults usually reach a length of 3-1/2 to 4 inches Adults usually reach a length of 3-1/2 to 4 inches and live an average of four years.and live an average of four years.

The bands on female marbled salamanders are The bands on female marbled salamanders are more silver than males' bands, more silver than males' bands,

which are generally whitewhich are generally white

Jefferson SalamanderJefferson Salamander Because of living underground, and being Because of living underground, and being

nocturnal, it is uncommon to see the Jefferson's nocturnal, it is uncommon to see the Jefferson's except in the early spring when it migrates to except in the early spring when it migrates to ponds during the breeding season of March and ponds during the breeding season of March and April. April.

Between 150 and 300 eggs are laid.Between 150 and 300 eggs are laid. Once the larva hatch, it takes 2 - 4 months to Once the larva hatch, it takes 2 - 4 months to

metamorphose into land living adults. metamorphose into land living adults. The male Jefferson's will breed with another The male Jefferson's will breed with another

mole salamander, the blue spotted salamandermole salamander, the blue spotted salamander.. Their young are hybrids, known as Their young are hybrids, known as

triploid Jefferson's salamanders, triploid Jefferson's salamanders,

are always female.are always female.

Eastern Eastern HellbenderHellbender

HHellbenders are extremely large, completely aquatic  ellbenders are extremely large, completely aquatic  salamanders native to the eastern United States. The largest salamanders native to the eastern United States. The largest hellbender ever recorded was nearly 21/2 ft. long.hellbender ever recorded was nearly 21/2 ft. long.

These salamanders need cool, clear streams and rivers with These salamanders need cool, clear streams and rivers with many large rocks. They feed almost entirely on crayfish, but many large rocks. They feed almost entirely on crayfish, but will also eat small fish, invertebrates, and other hellbenders.will also eat small fish, invertebrates, and other hellbenders.

   Cool, clear streams are important because hellbenders breathe Cool, clear streams are important because hellbenders breathe

entirely through their skin! They have lungs, but rely on the entirely through their skin! They have lungs, but rely on the thousands of capillaries found in the fleshy folds of skin along thousands of capillaries found in the fleshy folds of skin along their body and legs to get oxygen from the water.  their body and legs to get oxygen from the water. 

     Hellbenders live a long time! The oldest known hellbender in Hellbenders live a long time! The oldest known hellbender in

captivity was 29 years and individuals in the wild likely live that captivity was 29 years and individuals in the wild likely live that long or longer. Because they live so long, the removal of adults long or longer. Because they live so long, the removal of adults from the wild can cause populations to dwindlefrom the wild can cause populations to dwindle

MudpuppyMudpuppy They never lose their They never lose their gillsgills during maturation during maturation

from the tadpole into the adult stage-- beneficial from the tadpole into the adult stage-- beneficial since they will spend their entire lives since they will spend their entire lives underwater underwater

Mudpuppies prefer shallow water with lots of Mudpuppies prefer shallow water with lots of places to hide, but have been found at depths of places to hide, but have been found at depths of up to 90 feet.up to 90 feet.

The mating season is late autumn however eggs The mating season is late autumn however eggs are not laid until late spring when 50 to 100 eggs are not laid until late spring when 50 to 100 eggs are deposited in a nest cavity under a rock or are deposited in a nest cavity under a rock or other object. It takes 1 to 2 months for the eggs other object. It takes 1 to 2 months for the eggs to hatch and 4 to 6 years for the young to reach to hatch and 4 to 6 years for the young to reach maturity. maturity.

Mudpuppies may live for up to 20 years!Mudpuppies may live for up to 20 years!

Four Toed SalamanderFour Toed Salamander

4 in., rusty brown back, white belly with black 4 in., rusty brown back, white belly with black spots, and 4 toes on the hind feet.  spots, and 4 toes on the hind feet. 

Eggs are deposited in April and May in Eggs are deposited in April and May in hummocks of sphagnum moss associated with hummocks of sphagnum moss associated with water filled pools.  water filled pools. 

A single female lays about 40 eggs but several A single female lays about 40 eggs but several females may lay eggs in communal nests females may lay eggs in communal nests resulting in several 100 eggs per nest.  resulting in several 100 eggs per nest. 

Larvae transform in 9 to 10 weeks.Larvae transform in 9 to 10 weeks.

Longtail SalamanderLongtail Salamander Their tail comprises over half the total Their tail comprises over half the total

length and has black marks on the sides length and has black marks on the sides that form a herringbone pattern.  that form a herringbone pattern. 

They reach 6 inches in length.They reach 6 inches in length. Long-tailed salamanders are usually Long-tailed salamanders are usually

encountered along streams, in seepage encountered along streams, in seepage areas and springs, and in caves.  They areas and springs, and in caves.  They may also occur in terrestrial habitats.may also occur in terrestrial habitats.

Northern Dusky SalamanderNorthern Dusky Salamander

They are about 2.5-4.5” long.They are about 2.5-4.5” long. They are found in seeps, springs, and small They are found in seeps, springs, and small

streams.streams.    About 10 to 20 eggs are deposited from June to About 10 to 20 eggs are deposited from June to

July in cavities under rocks, logs, leaves, or July in cavities under rocks, logs, leaves, or mosses close to water.  mosses close to water. 

Nests are guarded by the female and eggs hatch Nests are guarded by the female and eggs hatch in late summer or early autumn.in late summer or early autumn.   

Larvae transform into juveniles Larvae transform into juveniles in about one year.  in about one year. 

Northern Spring SalamanderNorthern Spring Salamander

Largest of lunged salamanders @ 5-7.5”Largest of lunged salamanders @ 5-7.5” They will lay eggs from July to August. They will lay eggs from July to August.

The clutch size is from 20-60 and they The clutch size is from 20-60 and they hatch in about 3 months.hatch in about 3 months.

The adults are nocturnal and the aquatic The adults are nocturnal and the aquatic juveniles are more active in the day.juveniles are more active in the day.

This species is dormant This species is dormant in the summerin the summer

The females mature at The females mature at 5 years. 5 years.

Northern Two Lined SalamanderNorthern Two Lined Salamander They are found in or near small streams They are found in or near small streams

with rocky bottoms, seepages, and flood with rocky bottoms, seepages, and flood plains.  They are frequently found under plains.  They are frequently found under rocks and logs in forests.rocks and logs in forests.

  In March and April, 35 to 60 eggs are In March and April, 35 to 60 eggs are either attached to the undersides of rocks either attached to the undersides of rocks or broadcast among small or broadcast among small

rocks and sand.rocks and sand.

Northern Red SalamanderNorthern Red Salamander They have the potential to be quite long-lived, They have the potential to be quite long-lived,

surviving for 3-4 years as aquatic larvae, and surviving for 3-4 years as aquatic larvae, and may mature to a ripe 20 years of age! may mature to a ripe 20 years of age!

Living in or near cool, clear springs or streams, Living in or near cool, clear springs or streams, adults tend to be mostly aquatic in the fall and adults tend to be mostly aquatic in the fall and winter, and become more terrestrial in the winter, and become more terrestrial in the warmer months of spring and summer.warmer months of spring and summer.

On land, they stay mostly underOn land, they stay mostly underground in burrows, or they may ground in burrows, or they may seek a variety of shelter including seek a variety of shelter including under rocks or logs under rocks or logs

Northern Redback SalamanderNorthern Redback Salamander It is a small, hardy It is a small, hardy woodland salamanderwoodland salamander.. Throughout most of its range it is often the Throughout most of its range it is often the

most common amphibian.most common amphibian. The red-backed salamander is found in The red-backed salamander is found in

mostly two color variations: the nominate mostly two color variations: the nominate red variety, as well as a darker phase red variety, as well as a darker phase known as the 'leadback' which lacks most known as the 'leadback' which lacks most or all of the red pigmentation found in the or all of the red pigmentation found in the red phase. red phase.

Slimy Salamander Slimy Salamander They are 5-7” Woodland SalamandersThey are 5-7” Woodland Salamanders This amphibian has skin glands that This amphibian has skin glands that

secrete a thick, gluey substance. Its is secrete a thick, gluey substance. Its is extremely sticky and very difficult to extremely sticky and very difficult to remove.remove.

They mate both in spring and the fallThey mate both in spring and the fall Eggs are laid in the early fallEggs are laid in the early fall

Mostly nocturnalMostly nocturnal

NEWTSNEWTS

Red-Spotted NewtRed-Spotted Newt Eastern newts have three stages of life: the aquatic Eastern newts have three stages of life: the aquatic larvalarva

or or tadpoletadpole, the red eft or terrestrial juvenile stage, and , the red eft or terrestrial juvenile stage, and the aquatic adult. the aquatic adult.

The larva possesses The larva possesses gillsgills and does not leave the pond and does not leave the pond environment where it was hatched. Larvae are brown-environment where it was hatched. Larvae are brown-green in color, and shed their gills when they transform green in color, and shed their gills when they transform into the terrestrial red eft. The red eft is bright into the terrestrial red eft. The red eft is bright orangishorangish--redred in color, with darker red spots outlined in in color, with darker red spots outlined in blackblack..

After two or three years, the eft finds a pond and After two or three years, the eft finds a pond and transform into the aquatic adult. The adult's skin is olive transform into the aquatic adult. The adult's skin is olive greengreen, but retains the eft's characteristic outlined red , but retains the eft's characteristic outlined red spots. It has a larger and wider spots. It has a larger and wider tailtail and characteristically and characteristically slimy skin.slimy skin.

FROGSFROGS

* Must Know Calls

Bullfrog*Bullfrog*

They are the largest frog in N. America.They are the largest frog in N. America. It can grow to a length of 6 inches with a weight It can grow to a length of 6 inches with a weight

of up to one pound.of up to one pound. Females are typically larger than males. Females are typically larger than males. They are aptly named since their call is a loud, They are aptly named since their call is a loud,

guttural bellow that carries a long distanceguttural bellow that carries a long distance, , giving the impression that the frog is much larger giving the impression that the frog is much larger than it actually is, which is an advantage in than it actually is, which is an advantage in keeping predators away keeping predators away

Eastern Gray Treefrog*Eastern Gray Treefrog*

1 1/4 - 2 in. green to gray to brown; light spot 1 1/4 - 2 in. green to gray to brown; light spot beneath eye; bright yellow or orange on beneath eye; bright yellow or orange on underside of hind legs; large toe pads; a rough underside of hind legs; large toe pads; a rough or bumpy skin on its back, usually with darker or bumpy skin on its back, usually with darker blotches. blotches.

Habitat:Habitat: Trees or shrubs growing in or near Trees or shrubs growing in or near water. water.

Breeding:Breeding: May through mid-July. May through mid-July. Voice:Voice: A short, loud trill lasting up to 30 A short, loud trill lasting up to 30

seconds; slower and more melodic. seconds; slower and more melodic.

Pickerel Frog*Pickerel Frog*

1 3/4 - 3 in. brown or tan; rectangular spots, 1 3/4 - 3 in. brown or tan; rectangular spots, without light borders, in parallel rows down the without light borders, in parallel rows down the back; bright yellow or orange on concealed back; bright yellow or orange on concealed surfaces of hind legs; light stripe on upper lip; surfaces of hind legs; light stripe on upper lip; ridges along its back which extend to the groin. ridges along its back which extend to the groin.

Habitat:Habitat: Cool, clear waters of spring fed lakes Cool, clear waters of spring fed lakes and streams. and streams.

Breeding:Breeding: April through mid-June. April through mid-June. Voice:Voice: A steady, low-pitched snore with little A steady, low-pitched snore with little

carrying power; similar to leopard frogcarrying power; similar to leopard frog

Northern Green Frog*Northern Green Frog*

2 1/4 - 3 1/2 in. green to brown; ridges 2 1/4 - 3 1/2 in. green to brown; ridges along its back that do not reach groin; along its back that do not reach groin; green on upper lip. green on upper lip.

Habitat:Habitat: All types of permanent bodies of All types of permanent bodies of waterwater. .

Breeding:Breeding: June through July. June through July. Voice:Voice: Similar to the twang of a loose Similar to the twang of a loose

banjo string, usually given as a single banjo string, usually given as a single note. note.

Northern Leopard Frog*Northern Leopard Frog*

2 - 3 1/2 in. green or brown; rounded spots with 2 - 3 1/2 in. green or brown; rounded spots with light borders; light stripe on upper lip; ridges on light borders; light stripe on upper lip; ridges on its back which extends to groin. its back which extends to groin.

Habitat:Habitat: Lakes, streams, rivers, ponds; often far Lakes, streams, rivers, ponds; often far from standing water. from standing water.

It is sometimes called the meadow frog.It is sometimes called the meadow frog. Breeding:Breeding: April through mid-June. April through mid-June. Voice:Voice: A deep, rattling snore interspersed with A deep, rattling snore interspersed with

"chuckling" or the sound of a thumb rubbing "chuckling" or the sound of a thumb rubbing against a balloon; similar to pickerel frog.against a balloon; similar to pickerel frog.

Northern Spring Peeper*Northern Spring Peeper*

  3/4 - 1 1/4 in. They are tan to brown to gray 3/4 - 1 1/4 in. They are tan to brown to gray depending on their surroundings. Peepers have depending on their surroundings. Peepers have a dark, often imperfect, "x" on the back; a plain a dark, often imperfect, "x" on the back; a plain belly and large toe pads. belly and large toe pads.

Habitat:Habitat: Wooded areas with temporary or semi- Wooded areas with temporary or semi-permanent ponds or swamps or marshes.permanent ponds or swamps or marshes.

Breeding:Breeding: March through May. March through May. Voice:Voice: A high ascending "peep," sometimes with A high ascending "peep," sometimes with

a short trill; chorus resembles a short trill; chorus resembles

the jingling of bells.the jingling of bells.

Northern Spring Peeper*Northern Spring Peeper* Did you Know. . .Did you Know. . . that in winter, peepers' bodies that in winter, peepers' bodies

freeze--but their cells don't rupture because of freeze--but their cells don't rupture because of the concentrated sugars in them. These sugars the concentrated sugars in them. These sugars act as a kind of natural anti-freeze.act as a kind of natural anti-freeze.

One the first frogs to leave its winter home and One the first frogs to leave its winter home and prepare for breading.prepare for breading.

Breading season: March- May Breading season: March- May initialized by the 1initialized by the 1stst warm rains. warm rains.

Tadpoles develop in 6-12 daysTadpoles develop in 6-12 days Complete Metamorphosis in Complete Metamorphosis in

90-100 days90-100 days

Upland Chorus FrogUpland Chorus Frog

3/4-1 1/2 in. greenish-gray to brown; 3 3/4-1 1/2 in. greenish-gray to brown; 3 dark stripes down the back; light stripe on dark stripes down the back; light stripe on upper lip; small, round toe pads. upper lip; small, round toe pads.

Habitat:Habitat: Forested areas often Forested areas often

around temporary, bodies of water.around temporary, bodies of water. Breeding:Breeding: March through May. March through May. Voice: Voice: A high pitched, raspy squeakA high pitched, raspy squeak

Wood Frog*Wood Frog* Adults emerge from hibernation in early spring and Adults emerge from hibernation in early spring and

migrate to nearby pools. migrate to nearby pools. Eggs are deposited in masses that float on the surface, Eggs are deposited in masses that float on the surface,

often aggregated with those of other females in rafts. often aggregated with those of other females in rafts. Larvae quickly develop and emerge in early to mid Larvae quickly develop and emerge in early to mid

summer. summer. Following successful metamorphosis, juveniles travel to Following successful metamorphosis, juveniles travel to

neighboring moist woodlands. A small percentage will neighboring moist woodlands. A small percentage will disperse and breed in other pools, but the majority return disperse and breed in other pools, but the majority return to natal pools to breed.to natal pools to breed.

Adult Wood Frogs spend summer months in moist Adult Wood Frogs spend summer months in moist woodlands, forested swamps, and bogs where they woodlands, forested swamps, and bogs where they forage and maintain body moisture as surrounding forage and maintain body moisture as surrounding environments dry out. environments dry out.

By late fall most leave forested swamps and travel to By late fall most leave forested swamps and travel to neighboring uplands to overwinterneighboring uplands to overwinter. .

Wood Frog*Wood Frog* Diurnal: Active during the dayDiurnal: Active during the day Solitary and Natural CamouflagedSolitary and Natural Camouflaged Medium size frog: 1-2 ¾ InchesMedium size frog: 1-2 ¾ Inches Females are larger than maleFemales are larger than male Capable of jumping farther more than mostCapable of jumping farther more than most Found throughout PAFound throughout PA Call: Quaking SoundCall: Quaking Sound Habitat: Damp WoodlandsHabitat: Damp Woodlands Eats Mostly insects and other Eats Mostly insects and other

small invertebratessmall invertebrates

TOADSTOADS

American Toad*American Toad*

2 - 4 1/2 in. brown to red to olive; dark, warty 2 - 4 1/2 in. brown to red to olive; dark, warty skin; elongated glands found at the ridge behind skin; elongated glands found at the ridge behind the eye or connected by a short spur. the eye or connected by a short spur.

Habitat:Habitat: Common in a variety of habitats Common in a variety of habitats wherever there are insects, moisture, and a wherever there are insects, moisture, and a variety of shallow waters for breedingvariety of shallow waters for breeding. .

Breeding:Breeding: April through June. April through June. Voice:Voice: A musical trill lasting up to 30 seconds, A musical trill lasting up to 30 seconds,

with considerable individual variation in the tone.with considerable individual variation in the tone.

Threatened and Endangered Threatened and Endangered AmphibiansAmphibians

Endangered:Endangered: New Jersey Chorus FrogNew Jersey Chorus Frog Coastal Plain Leopard FrogCoastal Plain Leopard Frog Mud Salamander Mud Salamander

Threatened:Threatened: Green SalamanderGreen Salamander

2009 Envirothon2009 EnvirothonAquatic ResourcesAquatic Resources

http://www.envirothonpa.org/Aquatic-Ecology.shtmlhttp://www.envirothonpa.org/Aquatic-Ecology.shtml