***NY- Special Concern***

Identification- 4-7.5 in (10.5-19.5 cm) SVL 3-3.5" (7.6- 8.9 cm) A large blue to blue gray salamander with a wide snout and long toes. Jefferson Salamanders may have a few blue specks, but they are seldom numerous and appear only on the sides and tail. The venter is off white to gray and the area around the vent is gray. 12 Costal Grooves.
    Similar Species- Blue-spotted Salamanders are black with blue flecks on its back and sides. The vent is gray, not black as in the Blue-spotted.  Jefferson's are also twice the size.  See also Unisexual Ambystoma.

Range- This species is found in the Hudson river basin, north to the southern edge of Lake Champlain, west through New York and south through all of Pennsylvania. Although somewhat local and occurring in limited numbers the Jefferson Salamander can be found in appropriate habitat throughout the stated range. Like all mole salamanders it can be difficult to find.
 

Habitat- Damp woodlands. They can most reliably be found by overturning stones and fallen logs in mixed and hardwood forests. Often found in close proximity to stagnant water.

Reproduction- This species is one of the earliest spring breeders in our area. It is not uncommon to find this species breeding in March (albeit late March.) Like all mole salamanders in our range, Jeffersons are dependant on vernal pools and stagnant waters for breeding. The male and female undergo a courtship dance and the female lays up to 20 egg masses containing up to 15 eggs each. This species has been seen in amplexus. The eggs hatch after 30 to 45 days. The young transform in 2 to 3 months (July to September) and are approximately 2.5" (6.3 cm) at metamorphosis.

General Information- The Jefferson Salamander is named after Jefferson college in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The college in turn, is named after Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and noted naturalist. It is one of the first salamanders to come out of hibernation, these salamanders are sometimes seen crossing the snow on their way to their vernal breeding ponds.  Despite their rather drab coloration they are large and impressive salamanders and have attracted the interest of many herpetologists.