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Geographic range:
Nearctic, Neotropical: Found from Canada (c. Alberta and Saskatchewan)
and USA (south to Florida, absent in New England and Appalachian Mountains)
to Mexico. In Mexico found in Hidalgo, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Durango,
Zacatecas, Chihuahua, San Luis Potosi, Michoacan and Mexico state.
Physical characteristics: The
world's largest land- dwelling salamander, reaching up to 40 cm in
length. Robust, body, broad head, small eyes. Color pattern very variable,
but always representing light spots, bars or blotches on darker background.
Coastal groves 11 - 14 (usually 12 -13).
Food
habits: Predatory. Mainly large insects, earthworms, small
mice and amphibians.
Reproduction:
Occurs in temporary shallow pools during the rainy season (Mexico).
In northern latitudes, eggs are laid in March to June, in south December
to February. Hatchlings are 14 mm long, metamorphosis occurs at about
120mm of length. Neoteny is quite common, larvae are often larger
than adults.
Behavior: Mainly
nocturnal. Often seen after heavy rain. Found under debris, usually
close to water.
Habitat: From sea level to 3000 m. In variety of habitats from
arid sagebrush, coniferous forests, wetlands. |
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