Small-mouthed salamander

Taxobox
name = Small-Mouthed Salamander


image_caption =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Lissamphibia
ordo = Caudata
familia = Ambystomidae
genus = Ambystoma
species = "A. texanum"
species_authority = Fact|date=October 2008
subdivision_ranks =
subdivision =

The small-mouthed salamander ("Ambystoma texanum") is a member of the Ambystomidae. It is usually between 4 1/2–7" (11.4–17.8 cm) and has a small head and mouth. It is dark brown to black above with many gray to grayish yellow lichenlike patches, some unmarked. Their bellies are black often with timy flecks and has 14–15 coastal grooves.

Behavior

The Small-Mouth breeds from late January to April in streams, pools, and flooded ditches. Females lay up to 700 eggs, singly or in small clusters, attached to sticks, grass, or undersides of flat stones propped against the banks. Larvae hatch at 1/2" (13 mm); metamorphisize May to June at about 1 5/8" (40 mm). When disturbed, the Small-mouthed raises its tail and waves it back and forth. Being shy and sensitive it shares breeding pools with the larger Spotted Salamander and Marbled Salamanders.

Habitat & Range

Small-Mouths live in moist pine woodlands and deciduous forest bottomlands, tallgrass prairies, farming ares, subterranean, near temporary ponds, and along streams. Their range is from Ohio south to the Gulf, west to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.

References

*National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians

External links