Ambystoma tigrinum

The tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) is a species of mole salamander and one of the largest terrestrial salamanders in North America.

DESCRIPTION

• These salamanders usually grow to a length of 6–8 in (15–20 cm) with a lifespan of around 12–15 years.

• They are characterized by having markings varying in color on the back of their head, body, and tail.

• The coloring of these spots range from brownish yellow to greenish yellow, while the rest of their back is black or dark brown.

• They have short snouts, thick necks, strong legs, and lengthy tails.

• Tiger salamanders are a sexually dimorphic species, as the males are larger in body size, as well as have longer and higher tails than females.

REPRODUCTION

• The tiger salamander's ideal breeding period is somewhere between the late winter and early spring, once the ground is warm enough and the water is thawed.

• Males nudge a willing female to initiate mating, and then deposit a spermatophore on the lake bottom. Some males known as sneaker males will mimic female behavior in order to trick females in taking their spermatophore without alerting the male rival.

• There appears to be no relation between size and mating success.

• However, females prefer mates with longer tails over mates with shorter tails. About 48 hours after insemination, the female is ready to deposit her eggs in the breeding pool. One female can lay up to 25–30 eggs per egg mass. She carefully attaches the eggs to secure twigs, grass, and leaves at the bottom of the pool to ensure her eggs safety.

• In about 12–15 days time, the eggs will be fully hatched and ready to mature in the pool. It takes a tiger salamander approximately three months to reach full maturity and leave the breeding pool. Large-scale captive breeding of tiger salamanders has not been accomplished, for unknown reasons.

• The larva is entirely aquatic, and is characterized by large external gills and a prominent caudal fin that originates just behind the head, similar to the Mexican axolotl.

• Limbs are fully developed within a short time of hatching. Some larvae, especially in seasonal pools and in the north, may metamorphose as soon as feasible. These are known as small morph adults.

•  Other larvae, especially in ancestral pools and warmer climates, may not metamorphose until fully adult size. These large larvae are usually known as 'waterdogs', and are used extensively in the fishing bait and pet trades.

• Some populations may not metamorphose at all, and become sexually mature while in their larval form. These are the neotenes, and are particularly common where terrestrial conditions are poor.

HABITAT

Tiger salamanders are highly adaptable and can be found in a range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including:

• Vernal Pools: They often breed in temporary or seasonal pools, known as vernal pools, which form in the spring and provide suitable breeding grounds for their aquatic larvae.

• Ponds and Lakes: In addition to vernal pools, tiger salamanders may breed in larger bodies of water, such as ponds and small lakes.

• Wetlands: They are commonly associated with wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and slow-moving streams.

• Terrestrial Environments: Tiger salamanders are terrestrial for much of the year, inhabiting burrows, underground tunnels, and other subterranean shelters. They are known for their burrowing behavior, which helps them escape harsh environmental conditions and predators.