Ohio Salamanders – Tadpole Photos

Posted May 27, 2006
Last Updated Nov 9, 2011
salamander tadpole photo
Salamander Tadpole Photo
swimming salamander tadpole
dead salamander tadpole

All amphibians are amazing creatures. Their role in the ecosystem is obvious to anyone who hates pesky insects. I love them because they portray a diverse branch of natural history—amphibians live on both land and in the water. Some spend equal time in land and water; some start their lives aquatic and then move the land; a few stay in the water their whole lives.

In my neck of the woods there are many amphibians from frogs and toads to salamanders and newts. While I have seen more frogs than salamanders, I have seen four of Ohio’s 24* species of salamanders. Salamanders are not very easy to spot since they don’t give out their proximity with mating calls and "peeps” when they jump into water like frogs do; furthermore, salamanders hide in dark, damp, cool places during the day, making them difficult to find.

I have not been able to identify the salamanders that live in my vernal pools. I have been watching them for years as tadpoles and adults. These are photos of tadpoles that have just gotten their legs. When they reach maturity, their gills go away and their bodies are dark grey; the adults’ backs are covered with tiny, metallic blue speckles. I have never seen any longer than around three inches.

Every few years I catch a couple tadpoles to watch them grow in a terrarium. These are a couple in a small tank. When they mature I will release them back into the pools. I would like anyone who can identify these to let me know what species they are.

More Salamander Links


NOTE: According to OhioSalamanders.com, there are 25 species of salamanders in Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, there are 24 species of salamanders in Ohio.

Amphibian Photos

Photos of amphibious creatures from frogs to salamanders.

  1. Frog Photos
  2. Ohio Salamanders – Tadpole Photos
  3. Missouri Toad
  4. Leopard Frog

Comment

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sandra ison

Apr 22, 2007

I think the salamanders that are on your page are called southern two lined salamanders. There scientific name would be Eurycea b. cirrigera I was just a country kid and used to play with them all the time. I have pictures of eggs tadploes and mature adults. Ours are in ohio and it is unusual to still find them this far north.
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