Salamanders are a diverse group of amphibians characterized by their slender bodies, short limbs, and tails. Many species remain quite small and often lead elusive lives, hidden from plain sight. These smaller salamanders represent a significant portion of amphibian biodiversity, inhabiting damp environments where they play specific roles in their ecosystems.
The Primary Answer: Newts
Newts are a common type of small salamander, belonging to the subfamily Pleurodelinae within the family Salamandridae. These amphibians are often small, with many species measuring under 4 inches (10 cm) in total length, though some can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm). A distinguishing feature of newts is their skin, which is often rough or warty, especially during their terrestrial phases, unlike the typically smoother skin of many other salamanders.
Newts typically exhibit complex life cycles, often involving three distinct stages. They begin as aquatic larvae, then transition to a terrestrial juvenile stage known as an “eft,” before developing into semi-aquatic or fully aquatic adults. The Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), commonly found in eastern North America, is a prime example, with adults usually ranging from 2.5 to 5 inches (7 to 12.5 cm) long. The Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) is another well-known species, recognized for its granular skin and often vibrant orange underbelly.
Other Small Salamander Types
Beyond newts, many other salamander species are also small, particularly those within the family Plethodontidae, commonly known as lungless salamanders. This family is the most diverse group of salamanders, with many members being small and entirely terrestrial. A unique characteristic of lungless salamanders is their method of respiration; they absorb oxygen directly through their moist skin and the lining of their mouths and throats, as they do not possess lungs. This adaptation necessitates that they remain in damp or moist environments to facilitate gas exchange.
Examples of these small, lungless salamanders include the Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus), a common woodland species in eastern North America that typically measures between 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12.7 cm). They are notable for their varied color patterns, often appearing with a red stripe down their back or as a uniformly dark “lead-back” phase. Another example is the Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus species), which can vary in size but often falls within the small range of 1.2 to 5.6 inches (3 to 14 cm) and is frequently found near water sources. The Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii) is another small, lungless species, reaching about 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15.5 cm) in total length, recognizable by a distinct constriction at the base of its tail.
Characteristics of Small Salamanders
Small salamanders share several common characteristics. Their preference for moist environments is a universal trait, as their permeable skin requires constant dampness to prevent desiccation and facilitate breathing. They are frequently found hidden under logs, rocks, leaf litter, or in burrows, often near water sources.
The diet of small salamanders is primarily carnivorous, consisting of a variety of small invertebrates. They actively hunt and consume insects, worms, slugs, spiders, and other arthropods found within their damp habitats. Many small salamanders are nocturnal, emerging at night to forage when humidity is higher. These amphibians are important components of their ecosystems, contributing to the food web by controlling invertebrate populations and serving as a food source for larger predators.