Lungless salamanders are part of the Plethodontidae family of amphibians and represent the largest amount of salamander species in New York. The Empire State has 10 members of the lungless salamander family: northern spring, long-tailed, northern dusky, Allegheny Mountain dusky, northern red, northern slimy, eastern red-backed, Wehrle's, four-toed and northern two-lined salamanders. As the name suggests, lungless salamanders do not have lungs for breathing oxygen. Instead, respiration for lungless salamanders occurs through their skin. Lungless salamanders must live in moist environments in order for their skin to receive enough oxygen. The tails of long-tailed salamanders are longer than the rest of their bodies.
The largest single salamander family in New York is Ambystomatidae, more commonly known as mole salamanders. Mole salamanders have five representatives in New York: the eastern tiger, blue-spotted, spotted, marbled and Jefferson. These salamanders receive their names from their living habits; mole salamanders spend most of their lives underground. Mole salamanders only go to water for breeding purposes. The largest mole salamander in New York is the eastern tiger, which grows up to 13 inches when mature. Eastern tiger salamanders are also listed as endangered in New York.
Common mudpuppies are the only species of the Proteidae family in New York. This salamander lives its entire live in an aquatic habitat. Common mudpuppies are also referred to as water dogs, since they create a bark-like sound. At 11 to 16 inches, these amphibians are one of the longest aquatic salamanders in the United States. When hunting for prey, the carnivorous common mudpuppy lies in wait behind vegetation and rocks at the bottoms of streams and lakes. Fish and invertebrates are some of the common mudpuppy's dietary items.
Hellbenders are one of the world's largest salamanders, with some specimens measuring over 2 feet. These salamanders are completely aquatic animals and spend most of their time crawling on river and lake floors. Although hellbenders do not swim, they use their tails like oars to help them move against currents. Crayfish makes up the majority of the hellbender's diet, but this salamander also eats fish and other invertebrates. Unlike other salamanders, the male hellbenders watch over a nest once its mate lays eggs. New York lists hellbender as a species of special concern.