Silvery Salamander

Taxobox
name = Silvery Salamander


image_caption =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Lissamphibia
ordo = Caudata
familia = Ambystomatidae
genus = Ambystoma
species = "A. platineum"
subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
subdivision =

The Silvery Salamander ("Ambystoma platineum") is a member of the Mole salamander (Ambystomidae) genus. It is usually between 5.5 – 7.75 in (12 – 19.9 cm) long and is slender with many small silvery-blue spots on its back and sides. It is brownish gray and the area around its vent is grey. It is a hybrid species of the Jefferson Salamander ("A. jeffersonianum") and the Blue-spotted Salamander ("A. laterale"). These hybrids created two all-female species- the Silvery and Tremblay's Salamanders. These genetic curiosities possess three sets of chromosomes instead of the normal two.

Behavior

Lacking its own males, the Silvery Salamander breeds with male Blue-Spotted or Jefferson Salamanders from March to April. The males' spermatophores only stimulate egg development; their genetic material does not contribute to the offspring's DNA. The females lay cylindrical egg masses and attach them to underwater twigs. It is not often observed and its diet and lifestyle are unknown.

Habitat & Range

These salamanders live almost anywhere between south-central Michigan to adjacent Indiana and Ohio to western Massachusetts south to northern New Jersey. They are commonly found in or near shallow rivers and ponds in deciduous forest

See also

* Tremblay's Salamander
* Jefferson Salamander
* Blue-spotted Salamander

References

* National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians