Family: Ambystomidae, Mole Salamanders view all from this family
Description Short, stocky & boldly colored. Blackish/gray above
with bold white bands and spots. 12 coastal grooves. Males have
brighter markings. Dimensions 9-13cm (3 1/2-5") Breeding Breeds
September through October. Southern residents October to
December. Nests built on land. 50-200 eggs in a clutch, laid in
sheltered pockets that fill with rainwater. Larvae hatch when
3/4" in size. Habitat Woodland particularly swampy areas. Range
New Hampshire through to Florida, west towards Texas. Discussion
Female protects eggs with her body before nest cavity is filled
with water. Larvae hatch after a few days of being submerged. If
eggs are not submerged they do not hatch till spring. Eats small
invertebrates such as mollusks, worms and centipedes. Also eats
larvae of other amphibians.