Family: Ambystomidae, Mole Salamanders view all from this family

Description Short, stocky & boldly colored. Blackish/gray above with bold white bands and spots. 12 coastal grooves. Males have brighter markings.

Dimensions 9-13cm (3 1/2-5")

Breeding Breeds September through October. Southern residents October to December. Nests built on land. 50-200 eggs in a clutch, laid in sheltered pockets that fill with rainwater. Larvae hatch when 3/4" in size.

Habitat Woodland particularly swampy areas.

Range New Hampshire through to Florida, west towards Texas.

Discussion Female protects eggs with her body before nest cavity is filled with water. Larvae hatch after a few days of being submerged. If eggs are not submerged they do not hatch till spring. Eats small invertebrates such as mollusks, worms and centipedes. Also eats larvae of other amphibians.