The United States is home to more salamander species than anywhere else on Earth, and Georgia is a hotspot for these remarkable amphibians. With habitats ranging from streams to forests to underground caves, salamanders in Georgia thrive in diverse environments, showcasing an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Some salamanders are entirely aquatic, never leaving the water, while others spend most of their time on land. These 13 salamanders are among the most commonly encountered species in Georgia.
13 Types of Salamanders In Georgia
Georgia is home to 55 species of salamanders, making it one of the most diverse states in the US for these fascinating amphibians. Below, you’ll find information on 13 salamanders, including some of the most commonly found species and a few unique ones that make Georgia a special place for salamander enthusiasts.
1. Georgia Blind Salamander
Scientific Name: Eurycea wallacei
Despite its name, the Georgia blind salamander is not exclusive to Georgia and can also be found throughout the southeastern United States. It grows up to 2 inches long and has a white body tinged with pink or yellow hues. Its external gills are red, and it has a long, flat head.
This salamander inhabits subterranean water environments and has adapted to life in dark caves. Unfortunately, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists the Georgia blind salamander as vulnerable due to habitat loss.
2. Hellbender
Scientific Name: Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
The hellbender is one of the largest salamanders in North America, growing up to 29 inches long and weighing over 5 pounds. Found in the northern parts of Georgia, it thrives in fast-flowing streams with large rocks, which provide shelter and hunting grounds.
Entirely aquatic, hellbenders have wrinkled, brown or dark gray skin that aids in respiration and a flattened head with a paddle-shaped tail. Their unique appearance and ecological role make them a vital part of Georgia’s freshwater ecosystems.
3. Common Mudpuppy
Scientific Name: Necturus maculosus
Mudpuppies are entirely aquatic salamanders that you might spot in ponds, rivers, and lakes across Georgia. While they’re more common in the eastern United States, these “water dogs” can also be found as far south as Georgia, blending into their watery habitats.
At first glance, you might confuse a mudpuppy with a hellbender due to their similar size and appearance. However, mudpuppies have smooth skin and external gills, unlike the wrinkled skin of hellbenders. They can grow up to 17 inches long, weigh less than a pound, and live for over a decade. Keep an eye out for these fascinating salamanders next time you’re near a quiet body of water!
4. Mole Salamander
Scientific Name: Ambystoma spp.
Mole salamanders are large, stocky amphibians known for their burrowing habits, bulging eyes, and rounded heads. They typically grow between 3 and 8 inches long and spend most of their time underground, making them a challenge to spot.
Georgia is home to five species of mole salamanders, found across the state in a variety of habitats. Their secretive nature and unique appearance make them a fascinating part of Georgia’s salamander diversity.
5. Newts
Scientific Name: Notophthalmus spp.
Georgia is home to two species of newts: the striped newt and the Eastern newt. Though they share similarities, each has unique traits and habitats.
Striped Newt
The striped newt is a rare species found only in the wetlands of Georgia and Florida. This small amphibian, measuring about 4 inches long, has rough, tan or reddish skin with dark stripes or spots. It thrives in isolated ponds and sandy upland habitats within its limited range.
Eastern Newt
The Eastern newt is more widespread and found in Georgia’s lakes, ponds, and forests. Like the striped newt, it grows to about 4 inches long. Its rough skin can be tan, black, or red and often features distinct spots. Eastern newts are known for their fascinating life cycle, which includes an aquatic larval stage, a terrestrial “eft” stage, and a return to water as adults.
6. Dusky Salamander
Scientific Name: Desmognathus spp.
The dusky salamander is commonly found in streams and seeps across Georgia, where it thrives in moist, shady environments. This species can grow up to 8 inches long and is easily recognized by its smooth, dark brown or black skin, often adorned with unique patterns.
One of its most distinctive features is its disproportionately large rear limbs compared to its front limbs, giving it a striking and unusual appearance. Dusky salamanders are highly adaptable and play an essential role in Georgia’s aquatic ecosystems.
7. Spring Salamander
Scientific Name: Gyrinophilus porphyriticus
The spring salamander is a striking amphibian found in northern Georgia’s caves, streams, seeps, and springs. It is notable for its pinkish-orange to salmon-colored body, often marked with dark splotches.
This large, stout salamander can grow to impressive sizes and has a pale line bordered by a darker line extending from its eyes to its snout. Adapted to cool, clear waters, the spring salamander is both a visual standout and a critical part of Georgia’s freshwater ecosystems.
8. Woodland Salamanders
Scientific Name: Plethodon spp.
Woodland salamanders are a diverse group with 13 species found throughout Georgia, including the Plethodon Ocmulgee, which inhabits the state’s upper coastal plain. These salamanders thrive in forests and along streambanks, preferring moist, shaded habitats.
They can grow up to 8 inches long and are typically dark gray or black with lighter flecked spots. Often referred to as “slimy salamanders,” woodland salamanders are known for their unique defensive mucus and their vital role in forest ecosystems.
9. Four-Toed Salamander
Scientific Name: Hemidactylium scutatum
The four-toed salamander is named for its distinctive hind feet, which have only four toes instead of the usual five. These small amphibians measure 2 to 4 inches long and are rusty brown with black blotches or spots.
In Georgia, they are found in north-central bogs, marshes, fishless ponds, and swamps. Female four-toed salamanders are known for their communal nesting behavior, often laying eggs alongside other females, which hatch in water to complete their life cycle.
10. Mud Salamander
Scientific Name: Pseudotriton montanus
Mud salamanders are brightly colored amphibians with orange or reddish-brown skin covered in dark spots. They have stocky bodies and grow to a length of 3 to 6.5 inches.
In Georgia, mud salamanders are often found in streams and forests, thriving in muddy or leaf-littered environments. Their vibrant coloration and secretive nature make them a fascinating but elusive species to encounter.
11. Green Salamander
Scientific Name: Aneides aeneus
Green salamanders are easily recognized by their distinctive green splotches on a black background, which help them blend into their rocky environments. These salamanders are relatively small, measuring 3 to 5.5 inches in length, with flat bodies and square toe tips.
In Georgia, green salamanders are found in the rock crevices of the northeastern and northwestern regions. Their specialized habitat and striking appearance make them one of Georgia’s more unique salamander species.
12. Many-Lined Salamander
Scientific Name: Stereochilus marginatus
The many-lined salamander is a slender species found along Georgia’s Atlantic coastal plain. Measuring just 2.5 to 3 inches in length, these salamanders are marked by parallel dark lines or streaks along their bodies, though some individuals may have spots instead.
They inhabit woodland ponds, ditches, canals, swamps, and other permanent water bodies. Despite their small size, many-lined salamanders are well-adapted to the diverse aquatic environments of Georgia.
13. Eastern Tiger Salamander
Scientific name: Ambystoma tigrinum
Eastern tiger salamanders are among the largest terrestrial salamanders in Georgia, averaging 7 to 8 inches long but occasionally reaching up to 13 inches. Their mottled brown skin features lighter spots and patches resembling tiger stripes, giving them their name.
This species is primarily found in isolated pockets of Georgia, with a higher concentration in the southern half of the state. Adults may be terrestrial or aquatic, with terrestrial individuals digging burrows and feeding on invertebrates and even small mammals. Aquatic adults, on the other hand, consume worms, insects, and tadpoles. Tiger salamanders are also popular as pets due to their impressive size and striking patterns.
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