Western Tiger Salamander
Ambystoma mavortium
The Western Tiger Salamander is one of 7 recognized subspecies of Tiger Salamander and it belongs to the Ambystomatidae family with other mole salamanders. This species is distinguished by the greenish yellow blotches between dark brown or black stripes.
As a larva, it eats small crustaceans and insect larvae, but as an adult it eats worms, snails, slugs and insects. As an opportunistic feeder, it has been known to become obese easily in captivity.
A Western Tiger Salamander can be found near seasonal fresh water pools, streams and ponds. It can be difficult to find because it burrows underground and is nocturnal. Sometimes after a heavy rain, you may see large groups of them emerge to reproduce.
A female will lay her fertilized eggs in small quantities on submerged vegetation. Eggs hatch between 20 and 50 days, depending on the environment. Larvae with gills emerge from the eggs and can metamorphose at 10 weeks old. Some retain their gills and some lose them to become primarily terrestrial.
Threats to the Barred Tiger Salamander include fish introduction, water pollution, and loss of habitat.
HERE AT ALAMEDA:
Our Barred Tiger Salamander was donated to us by Desert Rat Exotics and was found in the mountains of southern New Mexico. We believe it was born in early 2018.He is vary social his name is Sam.