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Tiger Salamander

Ambystoma t. tigrinum

Description

Large terrestrial salamander with large, wide head and small eyes. Tail is long and laterally compressed. 12-13 costal grooves on sides. Dark brown to black background with yellow, crème, or tan blotches. Blotches are highly irregular throughout body. Pattern and color is highly variable.

Stats

Size

7 – 9 inches

Status

Common

Similar Species

Spotted salamanders. Spotted salamanders have smaller heads and grey belly.

Diet

Frogs, earthworms, young snakes, and invertebrates. Will consume anything it can overpower.

Habitat

A heavy burrower. Sometimes lives in burrows of other small animals.

Reproduction

Mating occurs in early spring from late February to April. 10-50 eggs in a globular, cylindrical mass are deposited to vegetation. Larvae are large with external gills.

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