Northwestern salamander
A species of Mole salamander Scientific name : Ambystoma gracile Genus : Mole salamander
Northwestern salamander, A species of Mole salamander
Scientific name: Ambystoma gracile
Genus: Mole salamander
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Description People often ask General Info
Description
The northwestern salamander (Ambystoma gracile) inhabits the northwest Pacific Coast of North America. These fairly large salamanders grow to 8.7 in (220Â mm) in length. It is found from southeastern Alaska on May Island, through Washington and Oregon south to the mouth of the Gulala River, Sonoma County, California. It occurs from sea level to the timberline, but not east of the Cascade Divide. Its range includes Vancouver Island in British Columbia and The San Juan Islands,.
People often ask
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Northwestern salamander primarily feeds on smaller insects and invertebrates. Preferring aquatic environments, its diet includes a variety of crustaceans, mollusks, and various insect larvae, displaying carnivorous feeding habits.
Appearance
The northwestern salamander is a moderately-sized salamander, with a slender body shape covered in smooth, moist skin. It exhibits a striking dark-brown to black coloration, contrasted by large, symmetrical yellow spots along its length, and a white or grey belly. Its tail, constituting almost half of its body length, is keel-shaped. Neither noticeable age nor gender-based differences in appearance are observed in this species. Its distinct markings and keel-shaped tail provide a unique visual trademark.
Behavior
Northwestern salamander are often solitary, spending most of their days hidden under substrates, surfacing primarily for foraging at night. This species exhibits a peculiar precipitation-dependent migration to breed in vernal pools. Their territorial behavior is less pronounced due to adaptive camouflage techniques in their forested habitats.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Mole salamanders Genus
Mole salamander Species
Northwestern salamander 
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