The barred tiger salamander is an amphibian characterized by yellow to tannish vertical bars set upon a dark brown to black background color. The bars can vary in thickness depending on the metapopulation. The taxon distribution is defined as central Nebraska south to southern Texas and west to central Colorado and New Mexico. This species is a threat to the survival of the taxon Ambystoma tigrinum stebbinsi, the latter which has a more limited range and is classified as endangered. The two taxa are sufficiently similar in appearance, that genetic testing may be required to discriminate.