Different populations and individual adults within a population display unique behavioral patterns to snake contact. Adults touched by the body or head of a snake typically remain immobile. However, if touched by the snake's tongue, adults may demonstrate running or jumping behavior as an alternative to an immobile response. Adults that run after touching a snake tongue also run faster than other adults in the absence of a predator. Larvae also evade predators by altering their behavior.
Aquatic larvae utilize chemical cues in the water to detect the presence of predatory fish.
If fish are present, larvae seek shelter and may hide for days even after the fish are no longer present. Although they escape predation, larvae may lose access to food resources, threatening their survival. Habitat Adult Northern two-lined salamanders prefer woodland or open habitats with sufficient cover provided by layers of fallen leaves, logs, or rocks. Although occasionally found several meters from a water source, adult salamanders commonly occur along stream banks. Adults may remain active in springs, streams, or water laden soil where temperatures are above freezing in winter months.