Step 2A
Key to Families of Caudata (Salamanders and Newts)
Choose the description that best fits the animal of interest.If none fit go back to
step one.
- A.
Aquatic salamander with feathery red gills, gray to rusty brown with dark spots, four toes on hind feet,
if small there is a yellow stripe down the back in addition to the gills, 2 - 49 cm total length
- Proteidae (Mudpuppies)
one species in Canada:
Necturus maculosus (Mudpuppy)
- B.
Aquatic salamander with gills, not red, five toes on hind feet, no red spots, up to 40 cm
total length
- Ambystomatidae
(Mole Salamanders) - larvae
- C.
Either terrestrial or aquatic without gills,
costal grooves indistinct, may have rough-textured skin, spots small or not present, no
larger than 18 cm total length
- Salamandridae (Newts)
- D.
Terrestrial or aquatic without gills, robust body, blunt head, no groove between lip and
nostrils, costal grooves prominent, up to 40 cm total length
- Ambystomatidae
(Mole Salamanders)
- E.
Terrestrial or aquatic without gills, long and slender, or robust, small narrow slit between
nostril and upper lip (may require magnifying glass to see in small individuals), costal
grooves prominent, no larger than 22 cm total length
- Plethodontidae
(Lungless Salamanders)
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