Ohio is home to 24 species of salamander, cold-blooded amphibians that spend their lives partly in water and partly on land. Many salamanders begin their lives as larvae before undergoing metamorphosis and becoming adults. These small creatures spend most of their lives hidden under rocks, leaves, or underground, making them tough to spot.
Fourteen of Ohio’s salamander species are lungless, meaning they lack lungs and gills and instead have an amazing ability to absorb oxygen through their skin and mouth. These salamanders are delicate and can drown in water or suffocate if their skin dries out too much. A number of species begin their lives in water and as they undergo metamorphosis lose their gills and develop eyelids to become terrestrial adults. These semi-aquatic species are known as mole salamanders and often spend their time underground outside of breeding season.
A handful of Ohio’s salamanders are entirely aquatic, spending both larval and adult stages underwater. The eastern hellbender and common mudpuppy are two of these species, preferring swift-moving streams to live in.
These amphibians are secretive, but look around vernal pools and see if you can spot a few of these native salamanders.
Learn more in our Amphibians of Ohio Field Guide. http://ow.ly/RZqI30pkh03