Species Spotlight: Northern Red Salamander
Looks Like: Northern Red Salamanders can be 4–7” in length. Their stout body is red to reddish-orange with dotted to irregular, rounded black spots all over their backs and limbs.
Lives In: These salamanders live in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. They prefer to reside under fallen bark, logs, and rocks in woodlands and under leaf litter in cool streams.
Niche: Northern Red Salamanders are prey to woodland birds, skunks and raccoons. These salamanders are carnivorous and will feed upon insects, worms, other invertebrates, and sometimes smaller salamanders.
Threats: These salamanders depend on intact deciduous forests to survive. Their survival can be compromised with encroaching development that removes forest habitats.
Frequency: Northern Red Salamanders are uncommon in the Shawangunks. It is a very special treat to come across one on a hike. Northern Red Salamanders can live more than 20 years.
Reproduction: Females will lay 30–130 eggs in springs, brooks and streambanks in gelatinous egg masses. The eggs hatch in early winter and remain in larval stage for 1–3 years before becoming an adult.
Fun Fact: The Northern Red Salamander has a projectile tongue that can extend and return in 11 milliseconds. They can also release a toxin from their poison glands to repel certain predators.
