IDENTIFICATION

 

Size:                   A  long and slender salamander measuring 5 to 6.5

                            inches in length with a wide snout, long toes, elongated

                            limbs and laterally flattened tail.

 

Color:                 The dorsum is brownish-gray to dark brown in coloration

                            with blue/silver flecking or foxing on the legs and sides

                            of body.       

 

Behavior:          When faced with predation adults raise and lash their

                            tails while releasing toxic secretions as a predatory

                            defense.   Jefferson salamanders can be seen during

                            the early spring on rainy nights migrating to breeding

                            pools.

     

Habitat:             Jefferson salamanders are found in deciduous forest

                            west of the Connecticut river.  Vernal pools are used for

                            egg deposition and larval development.