Spotted Salamander

Ambystoma maculatum

Spotted Salamanders are one of the largest salamander species in metro Atlanta. They are in the family of mole salamanders (Ambystomatidae) and are underground most of the year. During their breeding migrations it is possible to see them in large numbers moving in and out of their ephemeral wetland breeding ponds. In Georgia, Spotted Salamanders breed in the winter. Historically, Spotted Salamanders probably occurred throughout the metro region but now seem to be quite rare. They are obligated to breed in ephemeral wetlands, or seasonal depressions that hold water for a few months in the winter. This type of wetland is rare in an urban setting. Additionally, Spotted Salamanders exhibit site fidelity, which means that about 90% of Spotted Salamanders return to the pond in which they were born to breed.

Spotted Salamanders are KNOWN from both Fulton and Dekalb counties.