The Blue-Spotted Burrower

Who would’ve thought that I would gain a newfound appreciation for salamanders? I remember the first time I held one during one of the labs I did in undergrad, where live reptiles and amphibians were brought in. That was when I held a salamander for the very first time. And it wasn’t until that moment when I realized how adorable they were. The blue-spotted salamander slowly crawled across my hands, exploring each crevice it reached. I couldn’t tell you how long I was watching the little creature, examining each movement it made. 

 

My fascination sparked even more what I learned about the genetic mysteries surrounding the blue-spotted salamander. There is a group of hybrid, unisexual lineages that are mainly female, and these hybridized salamanders are associated with both the pure blue-spotted salamander species and Jefferson salamander species. But what’s interesting is that this hybridized group has an unusual number of chromosome sets for vertebrates, ranging from three to five complete sets (polyploidy), whereas vertebrates usually have two sets (diploidy). When hybrids with more than two sets of chromosomes produce offspring with either pure species, the offspring may have more than four sets of chromosomes as well. But no matter how many sets of chromosomes they have, these salamanders still appear to be almost identical to the hybrid salamander. I find this to be an extraordinary finding, and this is a unique process that biologists are still trying to fully understand. 

 

Figure 1. A blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale)

The blue-spotted salamander is also known to be a key ecological indicator species. Salamanders are sensitive to environmental changes due to their thin, permeable skin, which can absorb toxins and water, so they will not thrive in polluted areas. Therefore, when they are present in an area, it usually indicates that the ecosystem around them is healthy. However, even though this species is not currently considered to be at risk, they still face many challenges towards their survival. The loss of wetlands and forests threatens the homes of all salamanders as new human-made developments replace these areas. Protecting these natural habitats is essential for salamanders to continue thriving.

Overall, the blue-spotted salamander serves as a reminder that some of nature’s most remarkable creatures scurry beneath our feet. Next time you walk through a forest or visit your local creek, remember that there’s a whole hidden world moving through the darkness of the soil, shimmering with tiny blue-speckled stars.