Eastern newts (sometimes called eastern red-spotted newts) are found across much of the eastern united states and up into Canada. These newts are easy to identify by their olive-green coloration and the black-bordered red spots along their back. But are eastern newts poisonous? Eastern red-spotted newts produce a highly poisonous toxin known as tetrodotoxin as … Read more
Blue-spotted salamanders are colorful amphibians found in the United States and Canada. These salamanders are easily identifiable by the beautiful bluish-white spots and flecks on their bluish-black skin. You may have seen one of these salamanders and wondered if they are poisonous. Blue-spotted Salamanders are mildly poisonous. They have granular glands that produce a toxic … Read more
Red-backed salamanders (also called redback salamanders) are one of the most common salamander species in North America. They are often associated with decaying logs or leaf litter on the forest floor, where they spend most of their time hidden. At night, they leave their hiding spots to forage for food. Like most salamanders, red-backed salamanders … Read more
Dogs are natural predators, so it is common for them to catch smaller animals in their mouths. In some parts of the United States, these “smaller animals”, may include certain species of salamanders are newts. Nearly all salamander species produce poisonous secretions that can be harmful when ingested by a dog. This means that if … Read more
Marbled salamanders are beautiful amphibians characterized by their black body with silvery-gray markings. These salamanders are a popular pet for beginners due to their small size and general hardiness. Like all terrestrial salamanders, marbled salamanders are strict carnivores, which means they only eat animal protein. Marbled salamanders are opportunistic predators that will eat any prey … Read more
The red-backed salamander is the most common salamander in the state of Maryland. It can be found from the coast of Worcester County all the way west to the mountains of Garrett County. Though these tiny salamanders may look similar to Lizards, they are quite different. All salamanders are amphibians, just like frogs and toads. … Read more
In early spring, salamanders and other amphibians emerge from hibernation and head to the water to breed. But how do salamanders reproduce? Salamanders reproduce via sexual reproduction. In the vast majority of salamander species, the male deposits a spermatophore on the ground or in the water, and the female picks this up with her cloaca … Read more
When the winter ends and warmer spring temperatures arrive, amphibians emerge from hibernation and migrate to breeding sites to lay their eggs. Most amphibians will lay their eggs in the water, but many will lay their eggs on land. Amphibian eggs laid in the water can be difficult to tell apart unless you have a … Read more
Leopard frogs are small frogs found across much of the Northern part of North America. These frogs vary in color between species, but can easily be identified by their dark spots which form a leopard-like pattern. But are leopard frogs poisonous? Leopard frogs are not poisonous. They do not produce any skin toxins and are … Read more
Salamanders are often informally divided into two groups, “true salamanders” and newts. These two groups are very similar but do have some differences. Salamanders typically have smooth moist skin while newts tend to have more rough, grainy skin. Newts look somewhat like lizards. They have a slender body, a long tail, and four short legs. … Read more