Tiger Salamander

amphibian · North America · spotted stripes · mole salamander

Boldly patterned. Tiger salamanders have striking yellow or orange stripes and spots on their dark bodies, which is exactly how they got their name. These bold colors help warn predators that they might taste bad.

Truly massive. Tiger salamanders are among the largest terrestrial salamanders in North America, and can grow up to 13 inches long or even longer. They spend most of their lives on land, hiding under logs and in burrows.

Hidden hunters. These salamanders hunt at night for insects, worms, and small creatures in forests, grasslands, and wetlands across North America. During the day they stay hidden underground to avoid drying out.

Aquatic babies. Tiger salamanders lay their eggs in ponds and vernal pools in spring. The tiny larvae live in water and breathe through feathery gills before transforming into adults that can live on land.

Mole salamander family. Tiger salamanders belong to the mole salamander family, which are known for digging and spending much of their lives underground. Some populations have unusual members that stay in their larval form their whole lives.