Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

County List:

Rule:

Forested or Nonforested Landscapes

1st alternative:
      (Any Upland Deciduous (Any Size Class))
      or (Mixed Northern Hardwoods (Any Size Class))
      or (Mixed Upland Hardwoods (Any Size Class))
      or (Any Lowland Deciduous (Any Size Class))
      or Grass
      or Upland Brush
      or Savanna
      or Fields/Pasture
      or Residential
   containing:
      Vernal Pools

2nd alternative:
      (Any Upland Deciduous (Any Size Class))
      or (Mixed Northern Hardwoods (Any Size Class))
      or (Mixed Upland Hardwoods (Any Size Class))
      or (Any Lowland Deciduous (Any Size Class))
      or Grass
      or Upland Brush
      or Savanna
      or Fields/Pasture
      or Residential
   adjacent to:
      (Pond or Sewage Lagoons & Farm Ponds or Any Emergent Wetland)

Habitat List:

view size class definitions

Literature:

Tiger salamanders live in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, marshes, farmlands, suburban areas, or wherever suitable breeding ponds are available. They spend most of their time underground and will excavate their own burrows or use burrows dug by other animals. These salamanders are often seen aboveground in spring and early fall during rainy periods. They frequently become trapped in window wells, basements and swimming pools during these movements.

Tiger salamanders breed in March or April in almost any fishless body of water, including woodland ponds, farm ponds, ditches, and marshes. They share breeding sites with other salamanders but tend to choose deeper water. Some individuals reportedly overwinter in or near the breeding ponds when early spring rains thaw the ground.

Insects, worms, slugs, and snails are eaten by adult tiger salamanders. Larvae eat aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, and smaller salamander larvae.