The species in this family of salamanders are only found in North America. They get the name mole salamander because they are nocturnal and spend the day in leaf litter or in burrows on the forest floor. They are 4-12 inches in length and have long, flattened tails; small eyes; stout bodies; smooth skin; and short, rounded heads. Some species, like the tiger salamander, have bright spots. They have costal grooves (vertical grooves) on their sides. The species in this order eat insects and invertebrates. In the early spring, some species of mole salamander migrate in large groups to ponds or streams to breed. They lay their eggs in clumps on submerged material in the water. Young mole salamanders live in the water and have external gills. They eventually lose their gills and move onto land.
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Endangered in N.H.
Threatened in N.H.
Introduced
Endangered in U.S.
Threatened in U.S.