Western Tiger Salamander

The western tiger salamander is the only salamander in Yellowstone.

NPS/Jeff Arnold

 

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Ambystoma mavortium

Identification

• The only salamander species in Yellowstone.
• Adults range up to nine inches, including the tail.
• Head is broad, with a wide mouth.
• Color ranges from light olive or brown to nearly black, often with yellow blotches or streaks on back and sides; belly is dull lemon yellow with irregular black spots.
• Aquatic larvae, which are aquatic, have a uniform color and large feathery gills behind the head; they can reach sizes comparable to adults.

Habitat

• Breeds in ponds and fishless lakes.
• Widespread in Yellowstone in a great variety of habitats, with sizable populations on the northern range .

Behavior

• Adult salamanders come out from hibernation from late April to June, depending on elevation, and migrate to breeding ponds where they lay their eggs.
• Mass migrations of salamanders crossing roads are sometimes encountered, particularly during or after rain.
• After migration, salamanders return to their moist homes under rocks or logs and in rodent burrows.
• Feeds on adult insects, insect nymphs and larvae, small aquatic invertebrates, frogs and other small vertebrates.
• Preyed upon by a wide variety of animals, including mammals, fish, snakes, and birds such as sandhill cranes and great blue herons.