March 21, 2026

This afternoon’s potato planting brought about quite a surprise, a Yellow Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum). A Salamander that is not often seen since they generally are under logs, in leaf litter, or in underground burrows created by other animals. They are usually near a vernal pool, which they migrate to once a year in early spring for mating.

These Spotted Salamanders eat Centipedes and Millipedes, Spiders, Snails, Slugs, Earthworms, and various Insects. They have a high mortality rate as larvae, but once they reach their adult stage they can live 20 to 30 years in the wild.

Hmm, wonder where it went to.

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