Eastern Tiger Salamander

Similar Species

The blue spots of the blue-spotted salamander differentiate them from the eastern tiger salamander. Jefferson’s salamander, the small-mouthed salamander and unisexual Ambystoma salamanders lack yellow markings. The spotted salamander’s body is blue-black.

Biology

Eastern tiger salamanders are nocturnal (most active at night), and this behaviour helps reduce dehydration from exposure to direct sunlight. The female lays eggs in clumps of up to 100 eggs adhered to vegetation or debris that is at least 30 centimetres underwater. A clutch contains 100 to 5000 eggs, which hatch in two to three weeks. The newly hatched larvae are aquatic. Larvae transform into terrestrial juvenile salamanders and leave their wetland their first summer or the following spring. Transformed salamanders may leave their wetland their first summer or remain, depending on temperature, food availability and water levels. The larvae eat aquatic invertebrates, small frogs and other salamanders. The terrestrial juveniles and adults feed on earthworms, molluscs, insects, small field mice, frogs and other salamanders. Captive eastern tiger salamanders have been reported to live up to 25 years.

Current Status and Protection

The eastern tiger salamander is currently listed as Extirpated under both the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007 and the federal Species at Risk Act. The species has been designated as a Specially Protected Amphibian under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, which offers some protection to individuals and their habitat. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the global status of the eastern tiger salamander as Least Concern. The species’ status was last confirmed in February 2021.

Learn more about reptile and amphibian conservation and what you can do to help these species on our Reptile and Amphibian Stewardship page.