Range Most of the United States. Habitat Varied includes semi-arid sagebrush, damp mountain forests, and meadows. Sea level to 10,000 feet. Characteristics Long bodied amphibian which retains tail as adult in contrast to frogs.
Smooth skin is kept moist by secretions of mucous glands.
Behavior Most tiger salamanders are typical amphibians. The larvae are aquatic. They are half an inch when they hatch and have large feathery external gills. They soon develop legs, but it takes 4 months or more for them to grow to 4 inches, lose the gills, and develop lungs. At this stage metamorphosis is complete and they become terrestrial.