Use caution in identifying egg the egg masses shown.  Spotted Salamander egg masses can look quite similar to Tiger Salamander egg masses, though habitat is a good clue.  In our experience, Spotted Salamander egg masses usually have more jelly surrounding the eggs, and tend to be in ponds in or at the edge of forested areas.  They can be clear, white or in between. 

Wood Frog eggs and Southern Leopard Frog eggs also look similar.  Obviously, if you've heard a breeding chorus at the spot the night before, or seen an adult, that may narrow your identification possibilities.  All of the egg masses shown may also be covered with algae, which has been shown to increase the oxygen supply to the developing embryos in the case of Spotted Salamanders.  A good resource on Salamanders is "Salamanders of the United States and Canada" by James Petranka.  A good egg key for frogs and toads is "A Synoptic Key to the Salientian Eggs of the United States" by Robert L. Livezey and A. H. Wright.  Click on each photograph below to identify the egg mass.  All photos © 1995 LEAPS.