Herpetology Species to Know

Class Amphibia | Order Caudata | Family Ambystomatidae, Amphiumidae, Plethodontidae, Proteidae, Salamandridae, & Sirenidae

Ambystoma dumerilii (Lake Patzcuaro Salamander)

• A species of mole salamander found in Lake Pátzcuaro, Mexico

• A neotenic salamander, which means it retains juvenile characteristics throughout its life

• The only member of its genus to have webbed feet as an adult

Ambystoma gracile (Northwestern Salamander)

• A species of mole salamander found in the Pacific Northwest of North America.

• It exhibits various color patterns and is often found in moist, forested habitats.

• Large parotoid glands

• Some populations can remain in an aquatic, neotenic state, retaining gills

Ambystoma maculatum (Spotted Salamander)

• A species of mole salamander found in eastern North America is characterized by its yellow or white spots on a dark background. It breeds in temporary ponds and is often seen in early spring.

• Spotted salamanders are typically 6–10 inches long, with females being larger than males

• Larvae are about half an inch long and have external gills

• Their undersides are light gray or light blue 

Ambystoma mavortium (Barred Tiger Salamander)

• A species of mole salamander found in North America, known for its striking yellow or white bars on a dark background. It inhabits grasslands and is often associated with temporary ponds for breeding.

• The barred tiger salamander can grow 8–10 inches long and exhibit a wide range of color variations. It is primarily nocturnal and feeds on small invertebrates and may eat other salamanders.

• Breeding: They breed in early spring after heavy rain

• Eggs: Females lay eggs in small clusters on underwater plants

• Larvae: Larvae are legless and have large external gills

• Metamorphosis: They metamorphose into adults after 2–5 months

Ambystoma talpoideum (Mole Salamander)

• Short, stocky body, large head, and small tail. It is typically gray or brown, with light flecks and a dark stripe on its belly. 

• This species is found in the eastern United States and is often associated with moist habitats. Mole salamanders breed in temporary ponds and exhibit a neotenic life stage.

• Mole salamanders spend most of their time underground or under objects like rocks and logs

• Belly: The belly is usually gray to olive brown without markings 

• Costal grooves: There are 10 or 11 riblike costal grooves 

Ambystoma texanum (Small-mouthed Salamander)

• Small head, short snout, and stocky body. It's a medium-sized salamander that's usually dark gray to black, with light gray speckles. 

• Small-mouthed salamanders have 13–15 costal grooves, which are vertical grooves on the sides of their bodies 

• The head often looks swollen behind the eyes, and the lower jaw barely protrudes beyond the upper jaw when viewed in profile.

• Small-mouthed salamanders are secretive and spend most of their time hidden underground, under logs, or leaf litter 

• They are active at night 

• They breed in early spring, often when it's still cold and icy 

• They deposit their eggs in masses of 6–30 in standing water 

Ambystoma tigrinum (Eastern Tiger Salamander)