Animal Profiles
Amphibians

Tiger Salamander

Ambystoma tigrinum

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The tiger salamander is a stout North American amphibian with pale markings on a dark body. Adults spend much of their lives underground.

Ambystoma tigrinum

evangrimes · CC BY

At a glance

Location
North America, where terrestrial burrows and suitable breeding ponds occur.
Habitat
Temperate forest, Grassland, Wetlands
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Worms, slugs, insects and other small animals.

Classification

Common name
Tiger Salamander
Browse group
Amphibians
Scientific name or taxon
Ambystoma tigrinum
Taxon rank
species
Order
Caudata
Family
Ambystomatidae
Genus
Ambystoma
Source classification
Amphibia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Measurements

Size and speed

Length
17 to 33 cm adult total length in the cited account

Typical adult ranges. Source: Animal Diversity Web.

Three things to know

  • Adults commonly occupy underground burrows.
  • Larvae live and feed in water.
  • The pale body markings vary between individuals.

Habitat and range

North America, where terrestrial burrows and suitable breeding ponds occur.

Appearance and adaptations

Yellowish blotches vary between individuals. A broad head and rounded snout sit above a heavy body with a long tail.

Diet and behaviour

Adults use underground retreats to avoid harsh surface conditions. Aquatic larvae begin with small prey and can take larger animals as they grow.

Sources

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