Family: Ambystomidae, Mole Salamanders view all from this family

Description 3 1/2-5" (8.9-12.9 cm). Head and limbs relatively small; blackish above; often patterned with gray netlike marks or many small flecks. Belly black with scattered gray spots or many tiny gray flecks. Costal grooves, 13-16, usually 15.

Endangered Status The Flatwoods Salamander is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as threatened throughout its range in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Like many species that live in small, isolated populations, it has suffered from industrial, residential, and agricultural development in its habitat, which consists of pine flatwoods and seasonal breeding ponds. Additionally, too much or too little rainfall can hamper breeding success, making this species even more vulnerable. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is one place where this species receives protection.

Breeding October to November. Autumn showers prompt migration to breeding sites - dry pond basins and roadside ditches. Female lays up to 160 eggs, singly, in small groups, under debris or on bare soil at bottom of basin. Larvae hatch 3-5 weeks later, at about 1/2" (13 mm); become blackish with conspicuous light stripes; transform March to April at 2 3/4" (70 mm).

Habitat Flatwoods dominated by longleaf pine or slash pine and wire grass.

Range S. Carolina south to Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia and Florida, west to se. Mississippi.

Discussion Adults are most often seen during breeding migration or under debris near breeding areas. They often choose nesting sites near crayfish burrows. Drainage and land clearing have greatly reduced their habitat.