Salamanders belong to the order Caudata. These are amphibians that have tails and long, slender bodies. Their eggs lack shells and are instead laid in a jelly-like substance, either in freshwater or in damp environments, in order to keep them hydrated. Most species' eggs hatch into aquatic larvae, known as efts or nymphs, who will eventually undergo a process called metamorphosis where they will change into their adult form. During this process the eft will grow lungs, absorb its gills and fins, and are then able to exit the water. Some species remain in the water their entire lives, going through a process called paedomorphosis where aquatic traits are retained throughout maturity. In other species, eggs hatch as fully developed terrestrial adults.

 

Across the world there are over 800 species of salamanders, of which 12 can be found in Connecticut (AmphibiaWeb, 2025). Here in Connecticut the majority belongs to the genus Ambystoma, the burrowing mole salamanders. Many are lungless salamanders, from the genera Plethodon, Hemidactylium, Desmognathus, Gyrinophilus, and Eurycea. Others in the genus Necturus are fully aquatic. One species of newt can be found in Connecticut, belonging to the genus Notophthalmus.

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To learn more about the salamanders found in Connecticut, click on a species below:​​​