Tiger Salamander

Ambystoma tigrinum

The Tiger Salamander is a big, friendly salamander with cool yellow spots. They like to dig in the dirt and find tasty bugs!

Habitat: Woodlands and grasslands

Appearance

The Tiger Salamander is a large, stocky amphibian with a broad head and small eyes. It has a dark body, often black or dark brown, strikingly marked with irregular bright yellow or olive-green blotches and stripes, making it look like a tiger.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilyAmbystomatidaeGenusAmbystoma

Tiger Salamander

Interesting facts

Some never leave the water, keeping their feathery gills forever!

They spend most of their lives hidden deep underground in burrows!

Tiger salamander larvae are sometimes called 'water dogs' by people!

When ponds dry, they can quickly change and walk away on land!

Special abilities

Tiger Salamander can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of its brain because it has incredible regenerative cells!

Tiger Salamander can stay a 'water-baby' with gills its whole life, helping it survive where land is tough!

Tiger Salamander can dig deep underground using its strong body, helping it escape predators and harsh weather!

Tiger Salamander has skin that produces a mild toxin, helping it discourage hungry predators from making it a snack!

Measurements & details

Length: 15-33 cm
Weight: 0.08-0.25 kg
Lifespan: 10-25 years
Top Speed: 2 km/h
Clutch Size: 100-1000
Metamorphosis: 75-180 days

Diet & Feeding

These hungry salamanders feast on a variety of small critters, both on land and in the water!

Age differences: Larvae eat tiny water bugs, while adults add bigger insects and small animals to their menu.

Primary Foods

Insects
Worms
Slugs
Small frogs
Tadpoles

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Snakes hunt them as a tasty meal.

eaten by

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Raccoons find them tasty snacks near ponds.

hunts

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

They hunt and eat worms in their burrows.

eats

Wood Frog

Lithobates sylvaticus

Adults sometimes prey on small frogs.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Burrowing

Dig deep and discover animals that build amazing homes underground! They create tunnels and chambers to stay safe, find food, or escape the weather.

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!