They are most plentiful where it is cool and damp, but some can be found in drier areas. Salamanders can be told from lizards, with which they are often confused, by their lack of claws and scales. There are over one-hundred species of salamanders in the United States. This account applies to most terrestrial forms although, by necessity, only a few of these can be mentioned by name.
Most species are nocturnal, but some are active during and following rain.
Their burrowing allows them to live in areas where surface conditions are too dry for other salamanders. The lungless salamanders need moister conditions. Although some burrow, none do to the extent of the mole salamanders. Most salamanders lay their eggs in water and the young are aquatic. The woodland salamanders lay their eggs in moist areas on land skip the aquatic stage.