Description

Mole Salamanders (not to be confused with the entire family) are smaller, chunkier Ambystomatids that range throughout Mississippi. Despite the large range, they are often far less encountered than other species, such as A. maculatum or A. opacum. Habitat loss may be a factor in reduced observations in Mississippi. Morphology consists of a gray body with silver or bluish flecks on sides. These salamanders are early spring breeders and make their way to fishless ephemeral ponds and other seasonal bodies of water to mate and lay eggs (Petranka, 1998).

Identifying Traits

• Chunky, stout gray body with bluish or silver flecking pattern

Habitat

Forested wetlands and lowland ephemeral wetlands (Powell et al., 2016)

Behavior

Moles salamanders, like most mole salamanders, are rarely seen above ground outside of breeding seasons. They can occasionally be found under moist or rotting logs in areas they are prevalent.

Diet

Various small invertebrates