Scientific Name – Ambystoma macrodactylum

Classification – Ambystomatidae

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – Around 8 cm (Snout to vent length); Around 14 cm (total length)

Average Weight – Largest specimen weigh around 7.5 g

Speed – Can move fast

Life Expectancy – 6–10 years

Breeding Season – Salamanders living in lower elevation breed in the fall, winter, and early spring whereas salamanders living in higher elevation breed in spring and early summer

Incubation Period – Around 3 weeks

Special Features –The hind limbs have a long outer fourth toe; contains costal grooves; tubercules on feet

Family Unit – Solitary or live in very small groups; perform courtship dance before mating

Geographical Distribution – North America

World Population – Unknown, but believed to be relatively stable

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Natural Habitat – Can be found at an elevation of up to 2800 m in temperate rainforests, coniferous forests, sagebrush plains, montane riparian zones, red fir forests, cheatgrass plains, semiarid sagebrush, alpine meadows along the rocky shores of mountain lakes; lives in slow-moving streams, ponds, and lakes during its aquatic breeding period

Diet – Insects, tadpoles, beetles, worms, small fish

Predators – Garter snakes, small mammals, birds, fish