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AMBYSTOMIA TIGRINUM
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| COMMON NAME: Tiger Salamander
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ambystomia tigrinum
STATUS: Federal- No status; States-
No status
RANKING: Global- Secure; Idaho- Secure;
Utah- Not provided
FOREST PRESENT: Boise, Bridger-Teton, Caribou,
Dixie, Fishlake, Targhee, Wasatch-Cache
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DESCRIPTION: The Tiger Salamander is the largest terrestrial salamander in the world. It can reach lengths of 13 inches and adults typically grow 9 inches in overall length. The are identified by the stocky build, broad head and small eyes. A key characteristic is the tubercles on the sole of each foot. The costal grooves are prominent and usually number 12-13, but can range from 11-14. Coloration is high variable but "tiger like" light markings are usually presented on the back and sides.
LIFE HISTORY: Like the Long-Toed Salamander, the Tiger Salamander occupies a wide range of habitats. It can be found in almost any area; from deserts to mountains that has a suitable water body for breeding and a friable substrate for burrowing. The adults are predominantly subterranean except during the breeding season and either excavate their own burrows or use those made by rodents.
The species range is from mid-Alberta to Mexico and from
central California coast to the Missouri River. In the Intermountain
Region, Tiger Salamanders are probably presented in every forest except
the Humboldt-Toiyabe, Payette, Salmon-Challis and Sawtooth.
BREEDING: Tiger salamanders are early breeders and may begin migrating to ponds before the ice is off. They usually migrate at night during or shortly after rains. Breeding areas are usually devoid of predatory fish but otherwise, these salamanders aren't very niche specific. Eggs can be found either attached to submerged objects or on the bottom. In the colder areas where the species is found, the larvae may over winter and can become neotenic.
DIET: Larvae feed on aquatic invertebrates
and vertebrates. Adults eat a wide variety of small animals.
USDA,
Forest Service
Federal
Building
324
25th Street
Ogden,
Utah 84401