During the summertime, I always get so excited to flip over rocks by the stream and roll over rotting logs in the woods in search of critters! Pennsylvania is home to 22 salamander species, many of which I have spotted, however I have never seen any of the 4 native lizard species in the wild! What is the difference between these salamanders and lizards? How would I be able to tell these incredible animal groups apart? After all, they do look very similar at first glance!

What is a Lizard

Lizards and salamanders do share some similar traits. Many have slender bodies, long tails, walk on four, outspread legs, and have adorable little faces! However, once you know the differences between a lizard and a salamander, it is hard to confuse the two.

Lizards are reptiles, meaning that they have scales as body covering, are ectothermic (get heat from sources outside of their body), and lay eggs on land. These traits are shared by other reptiles, like snakes and turtles, as well. Lizards, though, also have moveable eyelids and external ear openings, unlike snakes. Unlike turtles, they lack a shell. Pennsylvania is home to four lizards, including the Eastern Fence Lizard, Northern Coal Skink, Common 5-lined Skink, and the Broad-headed Skink.

What is a Salamander

Salamanders are primarily different from lizards due to the fact that they are amphibians instead of reptiles. This means that they have thin, smooth skin, which needs to remain relatively moist. Amphibians respire through their skin, so it needs to be thin enough for molecules to pass through! This also means that they are very sensitive to pollution and toxins within their aquatic environment (learn more about aquatic environment bioindicators HERE). Amphibians are able to live both in the water and on land successfully. Many salamanders start their life out in water as an egg and hatch into their larval form. This larval stage has feathery gills that allow them to breathe in the water. As they mature into juveniles and adults, some salamanders move to the land and loose their gills. Similarly to reptiles, amphibians are also ectothermic.

Pennsylvania is home to 22 native species of salamanders, many of which can be found in stream beds and under logs or leaf litter near bodies of water. While most reptiles are diurnal, many salamanders are nocturnal, preferring to be out during the evening and nighttime hours. This difference is due to their habitat and climate preferences. Reptiles want to stay hot and dry, whereas salamanders prefer cooler and moist environments.

Conserve Native Reptile & Amphibian Populations

Both lizards and salamanders are fascinating creatures with a positive impact on our local ecosystems! They both are predators, and help to manage insect populations. Reptiles also are huge rodent pest controllers! Presence of salamanders in a wetland environment can also signal that the habitat is healthy enough to support these delicate creatures.

Both reptiles and amphibians like to cross roads in order to find suitable breeding and egg-laying locations. This means that they are particularly susceptible to being squashed by oncoming traffic! One great way to protect these species is to drive carefully and, if safe to pull over and get out of your vehicle, help move salamanders and other reptiles off the road in the direction that they were originally going.

Another way to protect their populations is by creating suitable habitat for them in your yards and communities. Leaving leaf litter, building little rocky areas for ectotherms to bask on, planting native plants, and incorporating water into the landscape can really help these unique animals to not just survive, but thrive!

You can help support wildlife populations through these actions, and by supporting me through art purchases and event attendance! A portion of all proceeds is donated back to benefit wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, and environmental education efforts.