The Eastern Red-backed Salamander is ready for a closeup

Posted on by farlane
Eastern Red-backed Salamander in Michigan by Lee Rentz

Eastern Red-backed Salamander in Michigan by Lee Rentz

Nick Scobel’s Herping Michigan blog is my go-to resource for information about newts & salamanders found in the Great Lakes State. His excellent article about Michigan’s amphibians says that the Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) includes some great photos of male & female salamanders explains:

This colorful species is by far the most common species of salamander which inhabits Michigan. It is easily characterized by the red stripe which runs down its dorsum. However, this species comes in both a “redback” and “leadback” color phase.

The reason that this species is so common statewide is because of its general habitat preference. Redbacks are almost always associated with deciduous forests which may include northern hardwoods, oak-hickory, or beech-maple forests and can be found in either uplands or lowlands. They are often found under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other sorts of debris on the forest floor.

Lee Rentz is a photographer & writer who recently caught a glimpse of this little critter at the Emily Min Hunt Nature Preserve in Presque Isle County. More great pics & writing in the Lee Rentz Photography Journal. and you can view & purchase his work on his website. You can also see other fascinating photos from Lee on Michigan in Pictures including one of glowing flying squirrels that definitely are a real thing in Michigan!!

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Drainspout Salamander

Posted on by farlane
Drainspout Salamander by Mary Beth Lundquist

Drainspout Salamander by Mary Beth Lundquist

Mary Beth shared the photo above with me after last week’s post about the Misunderstood Michigan Mudpuppy. I’ve shared some great information about Michigan reptiles & amphibians from Nick Scobel, author of the Herping Michigan blog. I shared Mary Beth’s photos with him, and he said he’s fairly certain that this is an Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum). His excellent article about Michigan’s amphibians says (in part):

This large and robust salamander is the largest species of terrestrial salamander which occurs in North America, with some adults reaching over a foot in length. It is rarely seen outside of the breeding season, with the exception of the 4-5 inch juveniles which emerge in late summer around breeding sites. Tigers are easily distinguished from any other Michigan salamander by their sheer size, large head and oversized jaw, and the large protruding eyes. Some individuals may exhibit brilliant blotches of golden yellow or light brown, while others are extremely dark with very little noticeable pattern. This species is sexually dimorphic, which means males can be distinguished from females by their physical appearance.

Read more at Herping Michigan & be sure to look down when you’re digging in the dirt this spring!!

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The Misunderstood Michigan Mudpuppy

Posted on by farlane

Mudpuppy by Michala Burke/USFWS

The Alpena Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office says that mudpuppies are Michigan’s largest fully aquatic salamander and are often referred to as “bio-indicators” since they are sensitive to pollutants and poor water quality. This mudpuppy was caught during lake sturgeon setline assessments on the Detroit River. Mary of MSU Extension put together a great guide to the misunderstood mudpuppy that includes the facts on some common fictions.

FICTIONFACT
Mudpuppies are a type of fish.Mudpuppies are actually an amphibian and although they have lungs and can gulp air they rely on their feathery red external gills for oxygen.
Mudpuppies that are thrown on the ice by anglers will revive in the spring when the ice melts.Unfortunately if a mudpuppy freezes it will die. When thrown on the ice mudpuppies will eventually suffocate or freeze to death.
Mudpuppies eat so many fish eggs that they decrease sport fish populations.Their diet is mostly crayfish, insect larvae, snails and small fish (including invasive round gobies). There is no evidence that they impact fish populations, and they more likely benefit them by helping control nonnative species.
Mudpuppies are not protected in Michigan and can be collected all year round.According to MDNR, mudpuppies are a protected species in Michigan. People sometimes accidentally catch them while fishing. If you do catch a mudpuppy, you must put them back.
Mudpuppies are blind and are not good hunters.Mudpuppies are not blind, but their eyesight is limited. They rely on a keen sense of smell to find their prey.
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