Amphibians in Indiana
Pickerel Frog
Scientific Name: Lithobates palsutris
Habitat: Ponds, creeks, marshes, and wetlands
About/Interesting Fact: They are statewide species in Indiana with chocolate-brown sports spread over their bodies. This frog species is the only species in North America that routinely uses caves to hibernate in large numbers.
Potential Danger:Pickerel frogs produce toxic skin secretions that can cause skin irritation for humans so avoid direct contact with them.
Red Salamander
Scientific Name: Pseudotriton ruber
Habitat: Seepages, headwater streams, and springs
About/Interesting Fact: Red salamanders are endangered species in Indiana where only two specimen are collected in Indiana up to this day. They have a very long larval period of two to three years. Adults have bright red color with small black spots and get darker as they get older.