Adults: The spring salamander is the largest salamander in New York. It is brownish-orange or salmon-red with small dark spots or flecks. A light line begins at the eye and extends to the nostril. The belly is flesh-colored and the throat may be flecked with black. The tail is keel-shaped with a ridge on the top. Can reach 8 inches in length; males are usually bigger that females.

Larvae: The larval salamanders may remain near the nest site for several months after hatching and appear ghostly white with a purplish cast for up to 3 years.

Eggs: An average of 40–60 eggs are laid in running water under logs and stones, usually in groups or sometimes attached singly.

Distribution: Concentrated in areas of proper habitat.

Habitat: Highly oxygenated water such as mountain seeps, cool springs, and fast moving streams.

Ecology: A voracious, sometimes cannabalistic, eater, the spring salamander is capable of partaking in a large meal. Hunting mainly by night as do many urodels, this salamander is quite elusive. In preferred habitats, however, large populations can be found.

Reproduction: Breeding occurs in fall. During courtship, the male and female push each other and roll around in the water. The male deposits sperm, which is picked up and stored by the female until the eggs are laid from April through the summer. Sperm storage allows the female to be independant of the male and lay her eggs when the conditions are favoralble. Females do not breed until they are about 5 years old. The female guards the eggs, which hatch in late summer or early fall.