Habitat:  Marbled salamanders inhabit forests, though they spend most of their time in burrows in the soil.  They are more likely to be found close to the surface than our other ambystomids, in leaf litter, or under bark and logs.  They can sometimes be observed foraging at night.

Breeding Activity:  Unlike other ambystomid (mole) salamanders, marbled salamanders breed in the fall and on land!  During September or early October, these salamanders migrate to a dry or semi-dry vernal pool.  The female deposits 50-150 eggs in a shallow depression on the bank of the dried up pond, usually under leaf litter or at the base of the roots of trees.  Inundation by water is the cue which induces hatching of the eggs.

Interestingly, the nests are located at a mid-way point up the bank.  If they are built to deep in the pond a small amount of rain may cause the eggs to hatch, but the pond may dry up quickly.  If they eggs are deposited to high on the bank, the pond may never be filled enough to reach the eggs and they won't hatch.

Range:  Marbled salamanders are very common in West Virginia, probably occurring in every county.

Status:  Not listed.