Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Spotted salamander
Scientific name: Ambystoma maculatum
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: AMBYSTOMATIDAE
Group: Amphibians
Shyness: Tolerant
Safe distance: 5 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 15.02-15.04
Gestation: 14-21 jours
Births: 01.03-30.04
Habitat:
Humid deciduous forests and ephemeral pools
Description:
The spotted salamander is an urodele amphibian, 15–25 cm long, with a jet-black back marked by bright yellow spots. It inhabits humid deciduous forests and migrates by night to ephemeral pools in early spring to breed.
Recommended lens:
>=Macro
Photography tips:
Photograph the spotted salamander at dusk near an ephemeral pool; use a 100–200 mm macro lens on a tripod, low ISO and shallow depth of field to isolate its yellow spots against the dark background. Be patient and avoid sudden movements.
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