Help identifying, please

S

Salamandad

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Hi. I caught these as aquatic larvae in my dad's yard ponds, in Rawlins, Wyoming, elevation ~7,000 ft. I can't decide if they are Ambystoma Tigrinum or Ambystoma Mavortium. I am leaning toward A. Tigrinum. I would like to know what kind they are and if it's possible, if they are still juveniles. I don't know when they hatched. They became terrestrial around August 1st. Looking at their eyes and toes they are still a little translucent. Any thoughts? Thank you.

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I believe it is Ambystoma mavortium melanostictum, judging by range and patterning.
Seth
 
I agree with Seth. I did a bit of research just now and most of the more recent publications indicate A. mavortium as the major (possibly only) WY species and A. m. melanostictum a widespread sub species in Yellowstone. Older articles reference A. tigrinum melanostictum, and A. tigrinum mavortium.
 
Thank you. I can see marking traits of both A. Tigrinum and A. Mavortium. I ruled out melanostictum because the markings are so apparent. The photos I have seen of blotched tigers have much more muted patterns. More green and indistinct. I didn't think to check to see what species are native to this area, clever. Re-researching, I have to agree that that is most likely what they are. Thanks agains. Cheers!
 
Definitely a northern A. mavortium sp. Northern Barred Tiger Salamnders look great. I think they're more attractive than the southern variety. Eastern Tiger Salamanders have more of a spotting pattern. Though the ones you pictured above have a more of a similar head shape to A. Tigrinum the pattern resembles western variation. As far as the translucent features, mine have those also. Maybe it's due to just morphing and all pigment hasn't kicked in yet.

I have some Tiger Salamanders just like yours and maybe they're from the northwest.
 
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Cute. The one looks like a camera hog. Ha. Are they newly terrestrial? How long have they been on land? The lack of pigment on their legs is interesting. Thanks for sharing.

Ian
 
should be melanostictum, maybe with some % of mavortium
 

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