The Impending Salamander Explosion

Challenge level: Adventurous

The weather looks as if it might be taking a turn toward the warmer side. As Cornell students return from spring break to enjoy the spring weather in Ithaca, some other Ithaca residents will be emerging.

Of course we all know the charismatic animals who will be coming out of hibernation: the chipmunks, the groundhogs, and returning migrant song birds. And certainly insects will start appearing in larger numbers, while the trees will start budding, and the flowers emerging.

But the animals I’m suggesting you watch for in the coming week aren’t animals many people take notice of as spring dawns. I’m talking about our local salamanders.

After spending the winter hibernating in the mud, salamanders are starting to emerge in reaction to the warmer weather and heavy rains of the spring. These amphibians awake from their winter sleep and climb out of the mud to seek mates and pass on their genetic material to a new generation

The Quest:

What this all means is that this time of year is the perfect time to go out, get a little muddy, and see some salamanders!

There are plenty of places around Ithaca where you can go “herping,” as searching for reptiles and amphibians is known. I suggest taking a look at the Plantations’ map of Cornell natural areas, and for areas not on the Cornell campus see the map of Ithaca natural areas. Of course these are not the only natural areas in Ithaca and they’re not the only places to find salamanders, but it’s a great start.

The best spot to find spring salamanders is small ponds known as “vernal pools”. Cornell students can take a short walk (especially for North Campus residents) up to Bull Pasture Pond near the Cornell Golf Course. This is an excellent place to find salamanders. In fact, K. Zamudio of the Cornell Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology has used these ponds several times in her research in the past. Another option is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary. Temporary ponds form this time of year in the wetland areas of these woods (marked in green on the map).

Anytime in the evening and particularly after dark in the next couple weeks, take a trek out with flashlights and waterproof boots (rubber boots would be best). Clear nights with temperatures above freezing, and little wind are best. Check in the water for salamanders swimming about; they use their long tails like a rudder as they move through the water. If there’s still daylight, check under rocks and logs in the woods as well. You’re almost guaranteed to find salamanders.

Local species to look for:

You may find it helpful to purchase, borrow, or take a look at a field guide to help you identify species.

Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
Info

Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
Info

Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
Info

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus)
Info

Two-Lined (Eurycea bislineata)
Info

Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus)
Info

Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
Info

Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
Info

Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
Info

If you really want to see something cool:

Because of the high levels breeding activity that take place when the salamanders emerge, you may encounter signs of the salamanders’ presence, besides the actual animals themselves. The species of interest here use a particular form of internal fertilization. When a male courts a female, he will drop a spermatophore on the floor of the pond (or a branch or rock or whatever he thinks is the most attractive). The spermatophore consists of a gelatinous bottom and a cap containing the spermatozoa (the genetic material that will give rise to the embryo). The female will then come along and pick up this spermatophore with her cloaca to fertilize the eggs inside her body.

The really cool part is that you can see all of this as its happening. If you go out to vernal pools and shine your flashlight into the water you might be able to see bright white specks on the floor of the pond; these are the spermatophores. If you’re really lucky, you might also be able to catch the salamanders in the act of courting females, mating, and dropping off and picking up spermatophores. Additionally, look for clear, gelatinous masses floating on the surface of the water, or attached to vegetation on the surface. These are the egg sacs the females lay after internal fertilization occurs.

Keep in mind:

It’s best to simply observe these animals, but if you do catch any salamanders you find, please handle them carefully and only very briefly, placing them carefully back where you found them.

In addition, read the Plantations’ visitor use regulations for further guidance.

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