Tiger Salamander
Colorado's state amphibian, the tiger salamander can be found in waterways statewide.
About This Species
The tiger salamander is one of the largest terrestrial salamanders in North America.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Smooth, moist, sometimes sticky skin with a long tail, four toes on each front foot. They are less than 14 inches in length and the color pattern ranges from black with yellowish bars or spots to pale with dark spots or mottling. Adults are stocky, with 11-14 grooves on each side of the body. They have a broad head with small eyes and small bumps on the bottom of their feet.
Mature male: large dark papillae at rear end of vent during breeding season; tail relatively long.
Range
Statewide, from high mountains to lowest river valleys.
Habitat
Breeds in lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and pools. When on land, usually in rodent burrows; most active on ground surface at night during damp weather.
Reproduction
Larvae
Initially lack legs; front legs develop first, and hind legs develop after larvae are about 1 inch long; large larvae have three conspicuous pairs of gills and four gill slits on each side of neck; tail fin extends forward to about shoulder region; variable coloration.
Eggs
Attached singly or in short rows or small clusters to submerged plants or other objects. Life History: Breeds in spring or summer. Newly metamorphosed salamanders may leave breeding sites in late summer or early fall. Gilled larvae may become sexually mature and breed without ever leaving their pond.