Salamanders and Allies Quizz

Identify this salamander by Scientific Name.

Answer explanation

F: Proteidae

CN: Common Mudpuppy

SN: Necturus maculosus

This is the only salamander on here that exhibits paedomorphism, the retention of juvenile traits in adulthood.

The Family this hulking salamander is in is called...?

Answer explanation

F: Cryptobranchidae

CN: Hellbender

SN: Cryptobranchus alleganiensis

"Cryptobranch" means "hidden gill". They also live in the Allegany River region of Pennsylvania.

The Common Name of this amphibian is...

Answer explanation

F: Salamandridae

CN: Eastern Red-Spotted Newt

SN: Notophthalmus viridescens

Ironically the only one on the quiz that has "salamander" in its family name and yet lacks it in its common name.

What is the Scientific Name of this salamander?

Answer explanation

F: Ambystomatidae

CN: Small-mouthed Salamander

SN: Ambystoma texanum

What is the Scientific Name of this big guy?

Answer explanation

F: Ambystomatidae

CN: Eastern Tiger Salamander

SN: Ambystoma tigrinum

A fairly easy individual to spot due to its sheer size and its tiger-like patterning.

What is the Common Name of this Salamander?

Answer explanation

F: Ambystomatidae

CN: Jefferson Salamander

SN: Ambystoma jeffersonianum

The Jefferson Salamander has that sort of lighter underbelly and has a fairly slender body and long snout compared to the chunkier build of most ambystomatids.

What is the Scientific Name of this Salamander?

Answer explanation

F: Ambystomatidae

CN: Spotted Salamander

SN: Ambystoma maculatum

Spotted Salamanders have two lines of spots running down their backs.

What is the Scientific Name of this Salamander?

Answer explanation

F: Ambystomatidae

CN: Marbled Salamander

SN: Ambystoma opacum

Notice its opaque white and dark coloration.

This family of salamanders is comprised of burrowing mostly terrestrial individuals

Answer explanation

Ambystomatidae contains Eastern Tiger Salamanders, Axolotls, and Marbled Salamanders.

Identify this salamander based on either Scientific or Common Name.

Answer explanation

F: Plethodontidae

CN: Red Salamander

SN: Pseudotriton ruber

Note the reddish spotting all across its light body.