They are nocturnal and may sometimes be seen at night after a heavy rain, especially during breeding season. Moisture is essential. They do not drink, but absorb water through the skin while sitting in puddles, in wet mud or sand, or by flattening their bodies on dew-covered rocks. Unlike reptiles, the skin does not retard evaporation. Loss of moisture during drought can be fatal.
Skin is shed in bits and pieces or in one big piece.
This skin usually is eaten, but some-times it is found stuck on water weeds. Salamanders are voiceless. Despite lack of visible eardrums, they can hear. Eye sight is good, but they probably use the sense of smell more in finding food and in locating a mate. Reproduction For mole salamanders, it usually takes about 2 years to reach sexual maturity.