Scientific name: Ambystoma tigrinum/californiense

Common name: Tiger salamander

Size: 2.75-6.5 in (6.9-16.2 cm)

Introduced: Native to majority of U.S.

Distinguishing characters: A very large heavy bodied species with a rounded snout; coloration variable from uniform grey, to black and blotched; small eyes and smooth skin; tail flattened laterally.

Juveniles: Similar to adults, but dorsal pattern more diffuse.

Dimorphism: Breeding males have enlarged vent.

Similar species: All other native salamanders are much smaller and lack rounded snout.

Additional notes: May be localized within study area, as no reproducing populations are known. Individuals show up infrequently. This species and Taricha torosa are the only two salamanders in our focal area to have aquatic larvae.

Photo by Peter Trenham

Photo by Peter Trenham

Return to Salamanders