How to Identify Washington Salamanders

From the deadly vice grip of the coastal giant salamander to the cute disposition of the rough-skinned newt, Washington's salamanders are known for a wide variety of distinctive traits and appearances. With an abundance of water, rocks and grassy areas, Washington is home to 14 different kinds of salamanders, which belong to five broad categories. Mole salamanders, lungless salamanders, torrent salamanders, giant salamanders and newts are the five types of salamanders. With a little information and the knowledge of the traits that make each distinctive, you can begin to identify each species of Washington salamanders.

Things You'll Need

  • Salamander field book
  • Underwater goggles
  • Binoculars
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Instructions

  1. Identifying Prominent Features

    • 1

      Evaluate the size of the salamander. The length of giant salamanders typically ranges from 8 to 14 inches (20 to 35cm), with the other types falling below 8 inches (20cm) in length. Of the two types of giant salamanders, the coast giant salamander is marbled all over with brown and black, while the Cope's giant salamander is marbled only on the head with a brown body. Use a field guide to help distinguish the specific shapes of the salamanders.

    • 2

      Pay attention to where you find the salamander. Mole salamanders are found particularly in subterranean territories, such as in holes that other animals have dug. Lungless salamanders rarely venture far from the water. You may need underwater goggles in order to see them clearly, but, if you do find a salamander underwater, then there's a good chance that it is a lungless salamander. Torrent salamanders can be found near fresh streams or waterfalls. Newts are typically found in caves or near small bodies of water.

    • 3

      Notice the color. Mole salamanders may have very colorful rows of spots on their backs. Specifically, the tiger salamander, a type of mole salamander, has distinct yellow spots down its back. Lungless salamanders typically have a distinctive stripe down their back, and torrent salamanders are usually one color with not too much variation. You may want to use binoculars to see the exact color pattern on certain smaller species of salamanders.

    • 4

      Determine the family of salamanders before you attempt to decide the species. Once you have examined the size, color and context of a salamander, you should begin to evaluate whether it is a mole salamander, giant salamander, lungless salamander, torrent salamander or newt. Once you have determine where the salamander fits into these categories, then you can begin to decide what the specific species is.