Salamanders are small lizards that thrive in moist wooded areas. There are 22 different species of salamanders throughout Pennsylvania. Salamanders are found mostly in swampy areas and along creek beds. There are three main species that are commonly found, the red-spotted newt, the common mudpuppy, and the eastern red-backed salamander. The red-spotted newt is a bright orange color with dark orange spots on it. They tend to grow to be about 5 inches in length. They have toxins in their skin, so their bright orange colors act as a warning so predators not to eat them. They mainly are found in wet areas, near a source of water. Their diet consists of insects, frog and fish eggs, and worms. The common mudpuppy is a very interesting species of the salamander family. They have gills making them able to completely live in the water. They tend to grow about a foot in length. They have much more of a food selection. Mudpuppies can eat small fish, insects, and anything else they can get into their mouth. They have small teeth, unlike other salamanders. The last salamander most commonly found in Pennsylvania creeks is the eastern red-backed salamander. They have a large reddish brown stripe going down their back so they are easily noticeable. They also live in swampy areas just like the red-spotted newt. They have almost the same diet, consisting of worms, spiders, and other small insects. Salamanders are very important to the environment, keeping the insect population under control.
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