Blue-spotted Salamanders, an Indiana species of special concern, have been seen at Eagle Marsh where the topography of the Eagle Marsh Woods includes small sandy ridges interspersed with wetter areas—ideal salamander habitat! These shy creatures spend most of their time in burrows in the ground or hiding under fallen logs or leaves, but in spring they rush for water to breed and lay many, many eggs. The baby salamanders later hatch and spend a month or so in the water, looking very much like tadpoles. Eventually they metamorphose into small adults and return to their regular home, the woods. Blue-spotted salamanders eat spiders, centipedes, slugs and earthworms among other creepy, crawly creatures. When attacked by a predator, their tails can detach and grow back again later.
Did you know?
Blue-spotted salamander are primarily found in moist, deciduous hardwood forests and swampy woodlands, though they can be found in coniferous forests and fields too. They prefer vernal pools that retain water into mid-summer, to ensure access to a suitable breeding habitat. Underbrush, leaf litter, rocks and logs are commonly used for shelter.
Did you know?
Eggs take about one month to hatch. At hatching, larvae have a well-developed mouth and eyes. Front limbs form at two weeks, and hind limbs form at three weeks. It will fully transform to its terrestrial state by late summer.
Little Rivers Wetlands Project -www.lrwp.org
