Illinois Salamanders

Some may say spring begins with the spiraling upward flight of woodcocks, the blooming of serviceberry trees or the flutter-jumping of prairie-chickens on the booming grounds. I say spring begins when the smallmouth salamanders begin traversing inundated lowlands and muddy fields on their way to breeding ponds, which where I live begins with the rains of February. So, call me optimistic! Salamanders, all the species, are cool – in more ways than one! Have fun testing your knowledge and maybe learning a little about these intriguing amphibians.

Thanks to volunteer assistant Illinois Audubon editor Patty Gillespie for writing this quiz. Some questions were submitted by former IAS board member Hugh Gilbert. Thanks to Kathy Andrews Wright, Illinois Audubon editor, for coordinating this quiz.