The Spotted Salamander is a medium-sized amphibian known for its striking black body adorned with bright yellow or white spots. Typically found in eastern North America, these salamanders thrive in moist, wooded areas and are often seen during the spring when they migrate to breeding ponds. They prefer habitats with abundant leaf litter and cover, which provide protection from predators. Spotted Salamanders are nocturnal and primarily feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They undergo a complex life cycle, starting as eggs laid in water, which hatch into larvae before transforming into adult salamanders. Their unique coloration serves as a warning to potential predators about their toxicity.