Identifying animals is often easier with photo references. Photos can help you limit possible identifications to just one or two likely species.
Click or tap to see reference photos for each group of salamanders. The groups are based on relative sizes of the species, and are not a biological classification.
(Please note: preview images may not show the key identifying feature. Click or tap to see complete image.)
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Small and Skinny
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Medium
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Large
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Extra Large
Four-toed Salamander, Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Northern Two-lined Salamander
These salamanders are generally thinner than a pencil and less than 4 inches in length. Click or tap an image to enlarge it.
Eastern Newt, Northern Dusky Salamander, Blue-spotted Salamander
These salamanders are generally thicker than a pencil and 4.5 to 5 inches in length. Click or tap an image to enlarge it.
Spotted Salamander, Spring Salamander, Jefferson Salamander, and Jefferson/Blue-spotted Salamander hybrids
These animals are about as thick as a magic marker, and 6 to 8 inches in length. Click or tap an image to enlarge it.
Mudpuppy
These animals are thicker than a garden hose when adult, and 12 to 14 inches in length. Click or tap an image to enlarge it.
This information is also available as a downloadable PDF.
