Jefferson Salamander
Ambystoma jeffersonianum
Silhouette: Matt Reinbold (modified by T. Michael Keesey) · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAmphibia (Amphibians)
- OrderCaudata (Salamanders)
- FamilyAmbystomatidae (Mole Salamanders)
- GenusAmbystoma (Mole Salamanders)
- SpeciesAmbystoma jeffersonianum (Jefferson Salamander)
About the Jefferson Salamander
The Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) is a mole salamander native to the northeastern United States, southern and central Ontario, and southwestern Quebec. It was named after Jefferson College in Pennsylvania.
It is typically dark gray, brown, or black on its dorsal surface, but a lighter shade on its anterior. Some individuals may also have silver or blue specks on their sides; the area around the vent is usually gray. These salamanders are slender, with a wide nose and distinctive long toes, and range in size from 11 to 18 cm (4.3 to 7.1 in).
Like other mole salamanders, the Jefferson salamander burrows; they have well-developed lungs suited for this purpose. Nocturnal by nature, they can be spotted by day during the mating season. Breeding occurs in early spring, after the snow in the area has melted.
Eggs are laid in small agglomerations attached to submerged twigs or other natural support at the pond's edge. Clutches can contain between 5 and 60 eggs, averaging about 30. The age at which they first breed, and the frequency with which they breed, are unknown; females are estimated to first breed at 22 months, and males at 34 months. Eggs develop... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Jefferson Salamander in Shenandoah National Park
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Spotted Salamander
Ambystoma maculatum
Marbled Salamander
Ambystoma opacum
Eastern Red-backed Salamander
Plethodon cinereus
Eastern Newt
Notophthalmus viridescens
Northern Two-lined Salamander
Eurycea bislineata
Seal Salamander
Desmognathus monticola
White-spotted Slimy Salamander
Plethodon cylindraceus
Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus fuscus
Shenandoah Salamander
Plethodon shenandoah
Red Salamander
Pseudotriton ruber
Spring Salamander
Gyrinophilus porphyriticus
Southern Two-lined Salamander
Eurycea cirrigera
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shenandoah National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Jefferson Salamander in Shenandoah National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Jefferson Salamander sighting in Shenandoah National Park, based on 9 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Jefferson Salamander in Shenandoah National Park?
February has the highest sighting rate for Jefferson Salamander in Shenandoah National Park in our monthly data.