Family: Ambystomidae, Mole Salamanders view all from this family

Description 5 1/2-9 1/4" (14-23.5 cm). Small head. Slender body; deep brown to black above. Narrow cream to yellow bands encircle body and tail and join light-gray streak along lower side. Belly slate, with scattered light spots. Costal grooves, 15.

Breeding Mates and nests in shallow ponds or temporary pools after first heavy autumn rains. Masses of 10-20 eggs are attached to submerged vegetation. Larvae hatch in October, transform in late May.

Habitat Damp forested areas or clearings; Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountains.

Range C. Missouri southwest to w. Arkansas and e. Oklahoma.

Discussion Many may be seen at pools during the short breeding season; otherwise, it is secretive and seldom encountered aboveground.