Finding a salamander in the woodlands rates as one of the most
enjoyable surprises of an early morning hike. Active mainly at
night, these secretive, shiny, lizardlike amphibians often glow
like jewels when found under the logs or rocks that many prefer.
This colourful addition to Iowa's popular series of laminated
guides-the twenty-fifth in the series-will inform both amateur and
professional naturalists about twenty-five species of salamanders
found in the Upper Midwest states of Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, South Dakota, North Dakota,
Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. Common mudpuppies and lesser
sirens spend their entire lives in water, never losing the gills
that they developed as larvae; the lungless four-toed salamander
distracts predators by detaching its tail; the eastern newt
discourages predators by secreting poisonous chemicals from its
skin; the flat-bodied hellbender, which can reach twenty-nine
inches in length, breathes by absorbing oxygen through the folds of
its skin. These, plus the well-named slimy, zigzag, tiger, and
other salamanders in this guide, are now threatened by loss of
habitat, pollution, and a deadly fungus. Terry VanDeWalle provides
a complete description of each species as well as distinguishing
characteristics for twenty-one subspecies, from the striking orange
and yellow spots of the spotted salamander to the lichenlike
patches of the green salamander to the prominent rounded head of
the mole salamander. He also includes information about the
salamanders' range and habitat preferences, from twilight zones of
limestone caves and crevices to seepages and spring-fed bogs. His
comparisons of similar species and his comprehensive key are most
helpful for identifying individuals in the field. Superb
photographs by Suzanne Collins make this new guide the perfect
companion for outdoor expeditions in all kinds of moist
environments. Laminated fold-out guide.
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