Eastern Tiger Salamander

Distribution

Eastern Tiger Salamanders currently have two distinct populations in Virginia. One population is found in the Coastal Plain, while a more remnant population of ancient lineage occurs in the Ridge and Valley.

Identifying Characteristics

An adult Eastern Tiger Salamander perched on a log. Photo by ©J.D. Kleopfer – State Herpetologist – DWR

• Robust bodies and large heads
• Adults are bluish gray to nearly black with irregularly shaped yellowish spots that turn into bars on the tail
• Bellies are olive yellow to cream with faint dark smudges
• Larvae are gray to olive with black smudges and a white belly
• 4 toes on forelimbs; 5 toes on hindlimbs
• Long, laterally compressed tail

Habitat

Breeding habitat for Eastern Tiger Salamander. Photo by ©J.D. Kleopfer – State Herpetologist – DWR

Eastern Tiger Salamanders require fish-free semi-permanent wetlands, such as sinkholes and Carolina bays, surrounded by hardwood and mix hardwood-pine forests for breeding. Thriving, robust populations are typically found within pine savanna forests, which are often actively managed using prescribed fire.

Source: Eastern Tiger Salamander Conservation Plan

Diet

Tiger salamanders are voracious eaters. Adult diet includes insects, worms, slugs, snails, and mice. Larvae will eat aquatic invertebrates and other salamander larvae, including members of their own kind.

Source: Eastern Tiger Salamander Conservation Plan

Reproduction

Eastern Tiger Salamander egg masses. Photo by ©J.D. Kleopfer – State Herpetologist – DWR

Adults migrate to breeding ponds on rainy nights anytime between early January and mid-March. Males arrive before females and lay a series of spermatophores. Females arrive several days later and tend to spend less time in breeding ponds than males. A successful courtship ends with the female picking up one or more spermatophores in her cloaca. Egg laying follows with the female attaching her loose egg masses on twigs and grass stems under water. Depending on water temperature, embryos develop within the eggs and hatching occurs several days to weeks after being deposited. Larvae will complete metamorphoses and leave the ponds as subadults in early June.

Source: Eastern Tiger Salamander Conservation Plan