In
the Barred Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium) the
dark spots are larger than in the last two and tend to form the background
color, while there are yellow bars or stripes that extend from the belly to
the middle of the back, though these are irregular in form. In the south of
this subspecies range it is a winter breeder, in the north an early spring
breeder, migrating to ponds after heavy rains.Home range by sub species
The
Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum). They
are characterized by a dark background with light yellow-gold markings
extending down their sides.It is found in the eastern half of North America.
In the south it is also a winter breeder, in the north an early spring
breeder, migrating to ponds after heavy rains.
In
the Blotched Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum melanostictum)
the background color is dull yellow and is lighter than in the Gray Tiger
Salamander. The dark markings are also larger but usually take up less area
than the background color. These irregular markings often form a
network-like pattern. The Blotched Tiger Salamnader is also an early spring
breeder.
he
Arizona Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum; above)
also has a dark black or gray background with light yellow markings in the
form of mottled spots or bars that are smaller and/or fewer than in the
Tiger Salamander. Some specimens in small populations may have their color
pattern in the reverse, making them look similar to the Gray Tiger
Salamander, with the black spots or bars on lighter background. Breeding
occurs in conjunction with rains in the more arid parts of its range.
The
Gray Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum diaboli) are easily
recognized with their dark green to gray background speckled with tiny black
dots. It breeds in the early spring, migrating to ponds as soon as the ice
on them begins to melt.
legs
of the younger (and smaller) larva above left have not yet emerged. In
contrast to anurans, the front legs emerge first, then the back. The larva
above was found in May, the one below in August.
be neotenic.
This means that although the salamanders become sexually mature and can
reproduce they do not metamorphose, remaining as larvae and breathing with
gills. Neotenic Tiger Salamanders can become larger than individuals
that metamorphose, reaching total lengths of 15 inches. 
Environmentally
induced cannibalism. Under normal circumstances salamander larvae
metamorphose from a tadpole-like larvae into the terrestrial dwelling
adults; these are called typical type larvae. These larvae
typically eat aquatic insects. However, under a specific set of
environmental circumstances, some larvae will eat other salamander larvae
cannibal type. Cannibal type have specially adapted mouths and are
physically larger than the typical type. Furthermore once converted,
cannibal type larvae develop faster than typical type. it is important to
note for our purposes that the cannibal type only appear in the population
when the pond is densely populated and the population is primarily not
directly related to the individual .
