AMPHIBIA:
CAUDATA: AMBYSTOMATIDAE: Ambystoma
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Ambystoma tigrinum
Green, 1825
Tiger salamander
Photo
& text by Dr. Robert Sprackland.
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Range:
Widely distributed throughout North America, from
southern Canada to northwestern Mexico, from Massachusetts to California
(but absent from the Rocky Mountains).
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Diagnosis:
A blunt snout, rounded head with tiny parotid
glands, small eyes, a black dorsum with asymmetrical cream to yellow
blotches distinguish this species.
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Description:
This is one of the largest salamanders, and is
certainly the largest species in North America.
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Natural History:
Tiger salamanders are large and secretive
species that are most likely to be encountered during and shortly after
the first rains of spring (late March to late April). At this time, the
fossorial salamanders come to the surface to find mates and breed.
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Reproduction:
Egg layers.
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Taxonomy & Relationships:
The genus name Ambystoma comes from Greek and
means "cup mouth" in reference to the large cup-like appearance
of the palate.
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Variation:
Tremendous variation in coloration and pattern is
seen in this species. Eastern populations are generally brightest yellow,
while the California specimens have the least blotching and the lightest
(cream) markings.
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Additional Comments:
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Type Specimen:
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Literature:
Hofricher,
Robert (editor). 2000. Amphibians: the world of frogs, toads,
salamanders and newts. Firefly Books. ISBN: 1-55209-541-X.
Petranka,
James. 1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada.
Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN: 1-56098-828-2. NOT AVAILABLE FOR
REVIEW.
Stebbins,
Robert. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians.
Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN: 0-395-38253-X
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