Description
The Northern Two-lined Salamander has a yellowish band down its back,
bordered by two black lines. Adults can grow to a length of 12 cm, with
the tail making up approximately half of this.
Confusing Species
The Dusky Salamander is somewhat similar
to the Two-lined Salamander. In Quebec they are often found in the same
habitats. The Dusky Salamander can be quickly identified by the light-coloured
band that runs diagonally from the eye to the jaw. The rare Mountain
Dusky Salamander of southern Quebec is also quite similar to the Two-lined
Salamander. It tends to have V-shaped marks on the band running down its
back.
Distribution
Absent from south-western Ontario, the Two-lined Salamander is found
throughout much of eastern Ontario, and much of Quebec, Labrador and New
Brunswick. They are found as far south as Virginia. Closely related salamanders
farther south are now considered to be separate species.
Habitat
Two-lined Salamanders are generally found close to streams because they
dehydrate more readily than other lungless salamanders. They are associated
with moderate to fast flowing rocky streams. These streams can be tiny
creeks or actual rivers in both deciduous or mixed forests.
Reproduction
Breeding can occur in the fall or spring, but egg-laying occurs in the
spring. Females lay up to 100 eggs, generally on the underside of submerged
rocks. The female often stays with the eggs until they hatch in one to
two months. The larvae are approximately 1 cm in length when they hatch
and take up to three years to transform into a salamander. At that time
they will be roughly 4 cm in length. By the next spring, they will generally
be mature.
Natural history
Two-lined Salamanders are primarily active at night, especially after
it rains. During the day, they can be found under rocks near streams. They
eat a wide variety of insects and other invertebrates. Two-lined Salamanders
spend the winter in rocky or gravelly areas below the frost line.
Conservation Concerns
There is no evidence that Two-lined Salamander populations have declined.
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