Types of Illinois Salamanders

Salamanders are amphibians that have thin bodies, long tails and short noses. Illinois is home to numerous species of salamander, ranging from the 18-inch hellbender salamander to the tiny, 4-inch four-toed salamander. Although salamanders can be found throughout the state, most are seen only in localized geographic areas.

  1. Northeastern Illinois

    • The blue-spotted salamander is found only in the ponds of the swamp white oak flatwoods and floodplain forests in northeastern Illinois. This medium-sized salamander has white and blue specks on its body and external gills. The large mudpuppy is also found in the northeast portion of the state, lakes, ponds and creeks, but is rarely seen except by fishermen. The mudpuppy is distinguished by the dark stripe running behind its eye and its large, bushy external gills.

    Southern Illinois

    • The cave salamander is one species found only in the southern portion of the state. This very long salamander can be seen in the limestone areas of the Shawnee Hills and its surrounding environs. They have bright orange or reddish bodies with black spots. Another species found exclusively in the south is the mole salamander. This stocky salamander has a distinctive head that is disproportionately large for its body. It needs wet bottomland and swamp to survive.

    Eastern Illinois

    • The Jefferson salamander is a threatened species found only in the Wabash Border Division in the eastern part of the state. This large salamander is gray with a long snout. Adults live underground and aren't seen except during breeding season. Another endangered salamander found in the region is the silvery salamander, which is an all-female species that occurs in the Jefferson salamanders. They are so rare they have only been seen in two shallow vernal ponds in Vermilion County.

    Throughout the State

    • The spotted salamander is found throughout Illinois in deciduous forests with vernal pools. This common salamander has a stout body with two rows of yellow spots down its back. Another common species is the marbled salamander. Often found under rocks and logs, the marbled salamander has a stocky, black body with white bands across its back. They are most commonly seen during September and October, which is breeding season.