ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Streamside Salamander

 Streamside Salamander


streamside salamander


Logging, urbanization, and pollution are a threat to this species because it breeds in forested ravines.
 

Streamside Salamander
Ambystoma barbouri

At-a-Glance

Family: Ambystomatidae (Mole Salamanders)

Length: 4.5-5.5 inches

Incubation: 2-3 weeks

Typical Foods: invertebrates
Description
It is almost identical to the smallmouth salamander in appearance. It has a stout, dark body with dark gray spots on its sides. The head is small and rounded.

Habitat and Habits
Unlike most members of this family, the streamside prefers to breed in streams rather than ponds, and occurs in southwestern Ohio.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Salamanders migrate to streams in the winter and early spring to breed. Eggs are attached to the underside of rocks in the water. The aquatic larve complete metamorphosis 6 to 10 weeks after hatching.