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Ringed Salamander (Ambystoma annulatum)

Description Habitats Habits and Life History Prey and Hunting Techniques

Temperament and Defense Conservation State Distribution and Abundance Gallery

Contributors Bibliography Discussion

Description

Ringed salamanders generally reach lengths between 5.5 and 7 inches and vary in coloration from dark brown to nearly black, with yellow, buff or whitish rings. The rings can be quite variable, often incomplete, vertical light bars or elongated spots. They may also be of variable color, even on one individual. The lower side of the body is usually gray with lighter spotting or an irregular pattern.

Habitats

The ringed salamander is native to the hardwood and mixed hardwood-pine forests in the Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. While most are found near Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the Ozark Plateau of Missouri, small groups of ringed salamanders have also been found in western Illinois and eastern Oklahoma.

It is found under leaves, in rotten logs, and in deserted underground burrows of other animals. They prefer to live in damp forested areas, often around small, shallow ponds.

Habits and Life History

Prey and Hunting Techniques

Temperament and Defense

Conservation

Ambystoma Annulatam is currently classified Least Concern by the IUCN.

State Distribution and Abundance

Gallery

⚠ (:flickrgallery:)

Contributors

• Jeremiah Jones May 29, 2009 at 12:43pm (First contributor)

Bibliography

• Behler, J. L., and F. W. King. 1979 (1987). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. 3rd ed. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 743 pp.
• Conant, R., and J. T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. 3rd ed., Expanded. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 616 pp.
• Trauth, S. E., H. W. Robison, and M. V. Plummer. 2004. Amphibians and Reptiles of Arkansas. University of Arkansas Press, Fayetteville. 421 pp.

Discussion

< Western Lesser Siren | Salamander | Spotted Salamander >