Ambystoma – Mole salamanders
Advanced salamanders native to North America, with two famous members: the Axolotl and the Tiger salamander
There are sporadic populations of Mole Salamanders in the Piedmont (eastern USA) and throughout the Southeast’s Coastal Plain. Because they are nocturnal and spend the day in leaf litter or burrows on the forest floor, they are known as ‘mole salamanders.’
They can have spots on the back and sides and range in hue from light grey to light brown. They live in upland woods near ponds used for breeding or floodplain forests near swampy areas. Young mole salamanders have gills on the outside and dwell in the water. Some species live their whole lives in the water, while most eventually lose their gills and migrate to land.
Species in this genus
Marbled salamander
With its intricate patterns resembling a painter’s masterpiece, this salamander is a walking work of art
Frosted flatwoods salamander
With its smooth, glistening skin, it’s like a walking jewel glimmering in the moonlight
Axolotl
With a cartoonish face that resembles a smiling emoji, Axolotl is among the most famous amphibians
Tiger salamander
One look at the “tiger stripes” on this salamander, and you’ll see where it got its name
