Family: Ambystomidae, Mole Salamanders view all from this family

Description 3 1/2-5" (8.9-12.7 cm). Chunky; dark gray to black above, with bold white or silvery crossbands. Belly black. Costal grooves, 11-12. Recently transformed juveniles are dark gray to brown, with light flecks. Male brighter than female.

Breeding September to October in the North, October to December in South. Mates and nests on land; female lays 50-200 eggs, one at a time, in sheltered depression that later fills with rainwater. Larvae hatch at 3/4" (19 mm); transform in 4-6 months at about 2 3/4" (70 mm).

Habitat Woodlands, from low swampy areas to relatively dry hillsides.

Range S. New Hampshire to n. Florida, west to e. Texas, north to lakes Michigan and Erie.

Discussion The nesting female typically curls herself around the eggs while waiting for rain to fill nest cavity. The larvae usually hatch a few days after inundation. If autumn rains are scant, eggs may not hatch until spring.