The Tiger Salamander

Tiger Salamander Ambystoma mavortium

Brief Description:
Larger than long-toed salamander; toes relatively short; great deal of color variation.

Habitat:
Moist areas and near water; fossorial; often use pocket gopher burrows; overwintering underground as adult form and in water as larval or neotenic form.

Feeding:
Predatory; feeding mostly on invertebrates; also tadpoles and small fish.

Reproduction:
Spawning in spring in temporary ponds or waterbodies without large fish; no amplexus; fertilization via spermatophore; neotenic forms may be seen in permanent prairie ponds.