Salamander and Newt Identification Keys

This identification key uses questions and answers to help identify the actual species of salamander or newt encountered. The questions are simplistic, you should follow the result link to the description page for the frog or toad species and see if it fits. Also check the species description page for similar species, as there may be additional keys useful in distinguishing a particular species from similar species.

This key does not cover amphibian larvae. That key still needs to be written but will be separate.

At this time, there either are no or few images or illustrations. Photographs for this identification guide that show identification key features will hopefully be more complete by 2010, depending upon how often I get to herp in suitable habitat before the summer heat drives salamanders into hiding.

1. Costal Grooves - The Starting Point

Costal grooves are a set of vertical grooves (appear as lines) that run from along the sides of the salamander between the front and rear legs.

Does the Salamander or Newt have costal grooves?

Yes
Goto 2
No
Goto 7
   
 

2. Nasolabial Groove

The nasolabial groove is a small groove that runs from the nostril to the edge of the upper lip of Lungless Salamanders. It may be difficult to see on small salamanders, use a magnifying glass if necessary but be careful not to burn the specimen.

Does the salamander have a nasolabial groove?

yes
Goto 3
No
Goto 6
 

3. Lungless Salamanders

You probably have a Lungless Salamander. Four species occur in Shasta County. Is the salamander really skinny, almost wormlike, with extremely small legs?

Yes
Goto California Slender Salamander
No
Goto 4
 

4. Not Slender

Does the salamander have a yellow, greenish-yellow, or orange colored sleeve on all four legs extending almost to the elbow/knee joint?

Yes
Goto Oregon Ensatina (intergrade)
No
Goto 5
 

5. Not Ensatina

Does the salamander have webbing between the toes?

Yes
Goto Shasta Salamander
No
Goto Shasta Black Salamander
 

6. Mole and Giant Salamanders

Does the salamander have a distinctive yellow stripe down the back and yellow spots on the head?

Yes
Goto Southern Long-toed Salamander
No
Goto Coastal Giant Salamander
 

7. Pacific Newts

You probably have a Pacific Newt. Two species occur in Shasta County. Is the lower eyelid of the newt dark or light?

Dark
Goto Rough-skinned Newt
Light
Goto Sierra Newt
 

California Slender Salamander

You possibly have a California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus).
For more information on this species: California Slender Salamander.

[California Slender Salamander]
 

Oregon Ensatina (intergrade)

You possibly have a Oregon Ensatina (intergrade) (Ensatina eschscholtzii oregonensis).
For more information on this species: Oregon Ensatina (intergrade).

[Oregon Ensatina (intergrade)]
 

Shasta Salamander

You possibly have a Shasta Salamander (Hydromantes shastae).
For more information on this species: Shasta Salamander.

[Shasta Salamander]
 

Shasta Black Salamander

You possibly have a Shasta Black Salamander (Aneides iëcanus).
For more information on this species: Shasta Black Salamander.

[Shasta Black Salamander]
 

Southern Long-toed Salamander

You possibly have a Southern Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum sigillatum).
For more information on this species: Southern Long-toed Salamander.

 

Coastal Giant Salamander

You possibly have a Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus).
For more information on this species: Coastal Giant Salamander.

 

Rough-skinned Newt

You possibly have a Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa).
For more information on this species: Rough-skinned Newt.

[Rough-skinned Newt]
 

Sierra Newt

You possibly have a Sierra Newt (Taricha torosa sierrae).
For more information on this species: Sierra Newt.

End Of Identification Key