In Focus: Salamanders, Science, and the Art of Seeing Nature

Your research on salamanders is both fascinating and vital to understanding Appalachian biodiversity. What were some of the main questions you explored during your time at Highlands Biological Station?

We’ve been focused on understanding the ecology and evolution of alternative reproductive tactics in two-lined salamanders. These are distinct breeding strategies found in males: “searching” males have traits and behaviors suited for finding and courting females on land, while “guarding” males are adapted for defending mates from rival males in streams.

At Highlands, we’ve studied differences in the timing and location of courtship between these two male forms, and we’ve collected genetic data to identify the proximate cause of the polymorphism. This work has shed light on the evolutionary forces that maintain this unique variation—and, more broadly, on how diversity evolves and persists in wild populations.

You’ve continued mentoring students through the UNC Institute for the Environment program. What do you enjoy most about working with students in the field, and what advice do you give young researchers just getting started?

Yes! I always enjoy doing research with students, including those from the UNC Institute for the Environment. What makes Highlands unique is the ability to involve students in both fieldwork and lab work right on campus. We can find salamanders, collect DNA samples, and conduct analyses just steps away from their lodging—it’s a one-stop shop for research.

My favorite part of research is that moment when you first get a glimpse of new, exciting results—learning something no one else in the world knows. Sharing that experience with students is incredibly rewarding.

My advice to those starting out: jump into any opportunities you can find—even if they’re not perfectly aligned with your current interests. Science teaches you to be thoughtful, patient, careful, and creative, and those skills are transferable to many careers.

You’re also known for your incredible photography. How did you first get started photographing amphibians and reptiles?

Thank you! When I was in grade school, I developed a strong interest in the natural world—especially reptiles and amphibians. I enjoyed searching for these animals around my hometown, and photography became a way to share my discoveries with friends and family. Over time, these hobbies grew together, and throughout my career, photography has been a valuable tool for sharing both the beauty of nature and our scientific results.

Your photos often capture more than anatomy—they reveal beauty and personality. What’s your approach when you’re in the field with your camera?

One challenge with salamanders is that you often find them active during rainy nights—not exactly ideal photography conditions. To capture natural behaviors, I sometimes carry a big camera and flashes in wet weather.

Alternatively, we often find them hiding under logs or rocks during the day. In those cases, the challenge is to carefully move them for a quick photograph—capturing their distinctive features while working quickly and gently to minimize stress.

Any particularly memorable moments or species encounters during your visits to Highlands?

As a graduate student, I spent a month at Highlands collecting data on the movement and behavior of two-lined salamanders. One cold, rainy night in November, I saw a pair engaged in their courtship ritual—called the “tail straddle walk”—on top of vegetation along the Creekside Trail. Although common in lab settings, it was the first time I had seen it in the wild. Truly unforgettable.

Where can people see more of your photography or learn about your latest research?

Most of my photography is on Flickr, and our lab website (piersonlab.org) has more information about our research, including links to publications.

We’re grateful to Todd Pierson for sharing his passion, knowledge, and remarkable photography with us. Every wildlife image on this page was captured by Todd, whose work brings the beauty and diversity of our region to life.