The spotted salamander is a nocturnal amphibian found in humid forests and canyons of northern California and Mexico. It eats small insects and occasionally other salamanders. As prey, it is eaten by snakes, birds, and other predators. The spotted salamander grows up to 18 cm long, has a tail used for climbing, and lays eggs in groups of 12-23 in the fall. It has little contact with humans and is not threatened.