Most Common Salamanders in Maryland

The waterways and forests of Maryland are home to 20 different salamander species. Of these species, four are listed as endangered with two others being assessed for potential protection. Some of the state's salamanders can be found throughout Maryland, while others are confined to small areas or just a few counties.

  1. Eastern Red-backed Salamander

    • The eastern red-backed is considered the most common terrestrial salamander species in the state. Born in water, by the time the species reaches adulthood they no longer live in water at all. It is less than 3 inches long and mostly black with a red stripe down its back.

    Northern Dusky Salamander

    • The northern dusky is one of the state's most widespread species, found throughout Maryland's streams and wetlands. It is classed as a lungless salamander, meaning that it breathes through its skin. The salamander grows to just over 4 inches and can be gray to brown in color.

    Marbled Salamander

    • The marbled salamander is found in all but the most northwestern counties of Maryland. It is a black and white species with a thick body and grows to just over 4 inches in length. The species is found near small ponds throughout the state's woodlands.

    Spotted Salamander

    • The spotted salamander is found in all but the most southeastern counties of Maryland. It is a larger species, growing to just over 7 inches, with a thick, black body and bright yellow spots. The species lives close to small forest pools in which they breed and raise young.

    Northern Two-lined salamander

    • The northern two-lined salamander is found throughout the state's slow-moving waterways and forests. It is a small species, growing to just over 3 inches. It has a green to orange body with two dark lines running the length of both sides of its back.

    Northern Red Salamander

    • The northern red salamander is found in all but the most southeastern counties of Maryland. The species grows to 6 inches in length and is dark red to orange in color with darker mottled spots. It is a mostly water-based species.