# 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! - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Woodlands and grasslands - **Also known as:** Eastern Tiger Salamander ![Tiger Salamander](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426080/objects/5664.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Caudata - **Family:** Ambystomatidae - **Genus:** Ambystoma ## 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 - **Super Healer:** Tiger Salamander can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of its brain because it has incredible regenerative cells! - **Water Wonder:** Tiger Salamander can stay a 'water-baby' with gills its whole life, helping it survive where land is tough! - **Master Digger:** Tiger Salamander can dig deep underground using its strong body, helping it escape predators and harsh weather! - **Skin Shield:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/wood-frog) (*Lithobates sylvaticus*) — Adults sometimes prey on small frogs. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Tiger Salamander? Compare body shape, toes, markings, tail and skin texture. Tadpoles and larvae can look nothing like the adults they turn into. Amphibian Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Tiger Salamander? 15-33 cm ### How much does Tiger Salamander weigh? 0.08-0.25 kg ### How long does Tiger Salamander live? 10-25 years ### How fast can Tiger Salamander move? 2 km/h ### What does Tiger Salamander eat? These hungry salamanders feast on a variety of small critters, both on land and in the water! ### Where is Tiger Salamander usually found? Woodlands and grasslands ### How does Tiger Salamander hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Richard Bong State Recreation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/richard-bong-state-recreation-area) — Wisconsin, US · State Park - [Danebod](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/danebod) — Minnesota, US · Historic District - [Graniteville Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/graniteville-historic-district) — South Carolina, US · Historic District - [Lock and Dam No. 20](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lock-and-dam-no-20) — Illinois, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Tiger Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/tiger-salamander) ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Tiger Salamander: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tiger-salamander)