These salamanders locate prey by smell and sight. Their vision is probably best for detecting motion in low light. Sense of smell is important in orienting spotted salamanders to their burrows and to their home pond, as are visual and tactile information. It is believed that home pond odors are preferred compared with foreign pond odors.
During courtship, males nudge and rub females, probably communicating with both touch and smell. Females are attracted by the chemical scents given off by males in the water.
Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Other Communication Modes: pheromones
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
There are no known adverse effects of Ambystoma maculatum on humans.
The spotted salamander is still a fairly common species, but its populations are particular vulnerable because of their dependence on vernal pools for breeding. Acidic precipitation has a negative effect upon their embryos, and habitat destruction is a problem, especially as it isolates populations from each other. The species is rated "of Least Concern" by the IUCN, and is not listed by the U.S. Endangered Species Act, in the CITES appendices, or by the State of Michigan.
The spotted salamander is still a fairly common species, and it is not considered endangered. However, the species depends on vernal pools to survive and reproduce, and this habitat is threatened by acid rain and deforestation. The species is rated "of Least Concern" by the IUCN, and is not listed by the U.S. Endangered Species Act, in the CITES appendices, or by the State of Michigan.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
State of Michigan List: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
Spotted salamanders go through several stages over their lifetime. Female salamanders lay their eggs under water, and the larvae that hatch from the eggs are aquatic, with gills for taking oxygen from the water, weak legs and a broad tail for swimming. Larvae feed and grow in the water, and then metamorphose into an juvenile form with lungs and strong legs. Juveniles live on land, and after 2-3 years they mature into adults that can reproduce.
This species has relatively long incubation time in comparison to other salamanders. It takes 4-7 weeks for the eggs to hatch, depending both the temperature of the water they are in, and whether the eggs are laid in shady or sunny areas.
Spotted salamander larvae are 12-13 mm long when they hatch, with feathery gills and only their front legs present
Larvae grow quickly and transform within 2 to 4 months after hatching. Average size after metamorphosis ranges between 27 and 60 mm, depending on the conditions in the pond. The yellow and orange spots are usually acquired within a week following transformation.
Development - Life Cycle: metamorphosis
Spotted salamanders may help control insect pest species, including mosquitoes that breed in their ponds.
Spotted salamanders can be important to the community of species that live and breed in vernal pools, affecting the abundance and diversity of other species in the pools, especially other amphibians. Gray treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis and Hyla versicolor) avoid breeding in ponds with spotted salamanders in them, and depending on the timing and size of the other species present, spotted salamanders may reduce the population of other Ambystoma species in their pools.
Mutualist Species:
Salamander larvae are aggressive predators. They are generalists, eating whatever small animals they can catch. When they first hatch they feed mainly on small insects, and branchiopod crustaceans like Daphnia and fairy shrimp. As they get larger they take larger prey, including isopods, amphipods, larger insects, frog tadpoles, and other salamander larvae. In times of overcrowding, usually when the vernal pools start to dry up, spotted salamander larvae may become cannibalistic and attack members of their own species.
The adult spotted salamander uses its sticky tongue to catch food. Their diet consists mainly of forest floor invertebrates, including earthworms, snails and slugs, millipedes, centipedes, spiders, and a wide variety of insects. They sometimes also eat smaller salamanders, such as the red-backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus.
Animal Foods: amphibians; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods; mollusks; terrestrial worms; aquatic or marine worms; aquatic crustaceans; zooplankton
Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore , Eats non-insect arthropods); planktivore
Spotted salamanders are found in eastern North America. Their range extends from Nova Scotia and the Gaspé Peninsula west to the northern shore of Lake Superior, and south to southern Georgia and eastern Texas. The spotted salamander is absent from most of southern New Jersey, the Prairie Peninsula in Illinois, eastern North Carolina, and the Delmarva Peninsula.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
Adult spotted salamanders are most abundant in deciduous bottomland forests along rivers, but can be found in upland mixed or coniferous forests if the climate is sufficiently damp and there are ponds suitable for breeding. Adults are rarely seen because they spend most of their time hiding in leaf litter, under fallen wood, or in tunnels below ground.
Like most Ambystoma salamanders, spotted salamanders lay their eggs in fresh water, but only in ponds and pools that lack fish. They often use temporary vernal pools.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial ; freshwater
Terrestrial Biomes: forest
Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; temporary pools
Most spotted salamanders (more than 90%) die before they transform and leave their pond, either because their pond dries up, or they are killed by predators or disease. If they do survive and make it out of the pond, they typically live about 20 years in the wild, though some have been reported as old as 30. Their chance of survival from one year to the next is much much higher after they transform.
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 30 (high) years.
Typical lifespan
Status: wild: 20 (high) years.
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 25.0 years.
Adult spotted salamanders are 15-25 cm in total length, and females tend to be larger than males. Compared to other salamanders, the body is stout with a broadly rounded snout. The sides of the head are often swollen at the back of the jaw. The legs are large and strong with four to five toes.
The background color of metamorphosed spotted salamanders can be black, dark brown, or dark grey, while the bottom half and under-surface of the limbs are a pale slate gray. On either side of the mid-dorsal line of the body are large, round, yellow or orange spots. The spots may vary in number from 24 to 45, and they are arranged in two irregular rows running along the sides from the head to the tail. Unspotted individuals do occur but are rare.
Spotted salamanders have poison glands in their skin, mostly on their backs and tails. These glands release a sticky white toxic liquid when the animal is threatened.
When they hatch, the larvae of this species are 12-17 mm long. Their dorsal surface is dull olive green, and they remain a dull greenish color until they transform into the adult form. The underside of larvae is nearly white, and tail is finely stippled or mottled, with dark pigment near the tip.
Range length: 150 to 250 mm.
Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry ; poisonous
Average mass: 12.84 g.
Average basal metabolic rate: 0.005 W.
Spotted salamander defense begins immediately following laying of eggs. The eggs are laid in masses that are covered in a thick, firm, jelly, overcoat to protect against some predators (e.g. leeches and sunfish) and from dehydration, should the egg mass be temporarily exposed by sinking water levels. There is a particular species of unicellular green alga (Oophila ambystomatis) that grows on and in the jelly. The algae provides extra oxygen to the developing embryos, and may help camouflage the egg mass as well.
Despite this protection, a number of predators eat spotted salamander eggs: adult newts, wood frog tadpoles, crayfish and some species of caddisfly (especially Ptilostomis postica and Banksiola dossuaria) and midges in the genus (Parachironomus). These predators are so effective that in some years up to 90% of eggs may be killed before they hatch.
Spotted salamander larvae are also heavily preyed upon. Hatchlings are eaten by those aquatic creatures previously mentioned and also various aquatic insects, fish, wading birds, other Ambystoma species, and snakes. Hatchlings raised in laboratories often die from protozoan infections as well.
Adult spotted salamanders are preyed upon by larger animals, including skunks, raccoons, turtles, and snakes, especially garter snakes (genus Thamnophis). Like many other salamanders, adult spotted salamanders secrete a milky toxin from glands on the back and tail for defense against predation. The bright spotting on these salamanders functions as a warning to predators of their toxic defense.
Adult spotted salamanders respond to attack by arching the body and sometimes butting with the head or lashing with the tail, probably to expose the predator to as much poison as possible. They sometimes bite, and individuals of all sizes may also make sounds when attacked.
Known Predators:
Anti-predator Adaptations: aposematic
Spotted salamanders begin migration to breeding ponds at night, during the first rain following the thaw of snow. Males respond more quickly to the rain and move faster than do the females, therefore they arrive to the pool first. They also stay longer in the ponds than females do, probably to increase their chances of fertilizing more eggs each year. The number of males present in the breeding pools is greater than the number of females, so when the females arrive the males swim about vigorously, rubbing and nosing each other. Males produced blobs of sperm called spermatophores (up to 80 per male), and the females take these spermatophores into their bodies to fertilize their eggs. Each male may fertilize several females, and each female may take up spermatophores from several males.
Male spotted salamanders may compete with other males for the chance to fertilize females. They push other males away from females, produce as many spermatophores as they can, and sometimes cover other males' spermatophores with their own.
Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)
It takes several years for spotted salamanders to become reproductively mature, and the time required is strongly affected by the climate where they live. In the warmer parts of their range they may be ready to breed in 2-3 years, but further north they males may take 5 or 6 years and females as many as seven years.
See the Behavior section for more details on breeding behavior.
Females lay compact egg masses that are attached to submerged objects. The egg mass is covered with thick, clear or milky-white jelly. Each female lays approximately 100-300 or more eggs per year, in several separate masses. Reported averages are about 200 eggs per female per year.
Breeding interval: Spotted salamanders breed once yearly
Breeding season: Eggs are laid in winter or early spring, starting in late December in the southern portion of the species' range, and as late as early May in Nova Scotia
Range number of offspring: 100 to 370.
Average number of offspring: 200.
Range time to hatching: 4 to 7 weeks.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2 to 7 years.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 2 to 6 years.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal ); oviparous
Male spotted salamanders provide no parental care. Females invest nutrients in provisioning their eggs with yolk and supplying them with protective layer of jelly. They also make an effort to lay the eggs in a suitable location, usually on submerged tree branches or aquatic plants. There is no further investment after the eggs are laid.
Parental Investment: pre-fertilization (Provisioning)
Ar sourd brizhellek (Ambystoma maculatum) a zo un divelfenneg lostek hag a vev e reter Stadoù-Unanet Amerika ha Kanada.
Ambystoma maculatum és una espècie d'amfibi urodel pertanyent a la família Ambystomatidae. Pot ser trobada a les regions orientals de Nord-amèrica, des d'Ontario i Nova Escòcia fins a Geòrgia i Texas.
Der Flecken-Querzahnmolch (Ambystoma maculatum) ist eine in Nordamerika vorkommende Schwanzlurchart (Caudata) aus der Überfamilie der Salamanderverwandten (Salamandroidea).
Der Flecken-Querzahnmolch erreicht eine maximale Gesamtlänge von 25 Zentimetern.[1] Die Haut ist glatt und glänzend. Kopf, Rücken, Flanken und Schwanz sind tiefschwarz, blauschwarz oder schwarzbraun gefärbt und mit einigen, meist kreisrunden gelben oder orange- bis cremefarbenen Flecken versehen. Die Unterseite ist zeichnungslos grau gefärbt. Das Maul ist sehr breit und schaufelförmig. Die Gaumenzähne sind in Querreihen angeordnet. Männchen sind an der kräftiger ausgebildeten Kloake zu erkennen. Die im Wasser lebenden, mit Kiemen behafteten Larven sind graugrün und zeigen kleine schwarze Punkte, die über den gesamten Körper verteilt sind. Farblich und zeichnungsmäßig ähnelt die Art dem Kalifornischen Tiger-Querzahnmolch (Ambystoma californiense). Da dieser jedoch ausschließlich in Kalifornien vorkommt, gibt es keine geographische Überlappung der beiden Arten.
Das Verbreitungsgebiet des Flecken-Querzahnmolchs erstreckt sich vom Osten Kanadas und der USA bis in den Osten von Texas.[2] Ausgewachsene Tiere leben in feuchten Laubwäldern und verstecken sich gerne in Erdhöhlen, unter Baumstümpfen oder im Laub. Ihre Larven bewohnen bevorzugt kleine fischfreie Gewässer.
Ausgewachsene Individuen ernähren sich in erster Linie von verschiedenen Insekten und Würmern. Sie sind meist nachtaktiv. Ihre im Wasser lebenden, mit Kiemen ausgestatteten Jungtiere sind aggressive Jäger und fressen kleinere Tiere, die sie überwältigen können, dazu zählen Wasserinsektenlarven, Würmer, Schnecken, Krebstiere und Frosch-Kaulquappen.[2] Bei Überpopulationen tritt zuweilen Kannibalismus auf.[1] Im Frühjahr, nachdem der meiste Schnee geschmolzen ist und regnerische Tage eintreten, beginnt die Paarungszeit der Lurche. Die Eier werden von den Weibchen nach der Begattung in kleinen Tümpeln als Laichballen an Wasserpflanzen oder Steine angeheftet. Im Durchschnitt enthält ein Laichballen 200 in einer gallertartigen Masse geschützte Eier.[2] Diese Schutzschicht kann durchsichtig sein, wenn sie ein wasserlösliches Protein enthält oder sie ist trüb weißlich, wenn sie ein kristallines hydrophobes Protein enthält.[3] Eine Brutpflege erfolgt nicht. In den Zellen der Embryonen und in der sie umgebenden Gelschicht des Laiches leben mutualistische Algen der Art Oophila amblystomatis (Chlorococcales), die die Entwicklung der Larven begünstigen. Während die Algen ihrem Wirt Sauerstoff zur Verfügung stellen, profitieren die Algen im Gegenzug von durch die Molche ausgeschiedenem Ammoniak.[4][5] Je nach den klimatischen Bedingungen schlüpfen die Larven nach vier bis sieben Wochen. Die Metamorphose, d. h. die Umwandlung der aquatischen Kaulquappe zur terrestrischen Form ist ebenfalls hauptsächlich von den klimatischen Umweltbedingungen abhängig. Die Geschlechtsreife erfolgt in wärmeren Gegenden bereits nach zwei, in kälteren erst nach sieben Jahren.[1]
Die Art tritt in ihren Verbreitungsgebieten zuweilen zahlreich auf und wird demzufolge von der Weltnaturschutzorganisation IUCN als 
(least concern = nicht gefährdet) eingestuft.[6] In der Zukunft ist jedoch aufgrund von Trockenlegungen und Infrastrukturmaßnahmen gebietsweise mit einem Rückgang zu rechnen.
Der Flecken-Querzahnmolch (Ambystoma maculatum) ist eine in Nordamerika vorkommende Schwanzlurchart (Caudata) aus der Überfamilie der Salamanderverwandten (Salamandroidea).
ফুটুকী জেঠী বা হালধীয়া ফুটুকী জেঠী (ইংৰাজী: Spotted Salamander বা Yellow-spotted Salamander) (বৈজ্ঞানিক নাম: Ambystoma maculatum) সাধাৰণতে আমেৰিকা বা কানাডাত পোৱা এবিধ সৰীসৃপ।
এই ফুটুকী জেঠী বা চালামেণ্ডাৰ প্ৰায় ১৫-১৯ ছে. মি. দীঘল। ইয়াৰ ৰং সাধাৰণতে ক'লা কিন্তু কেতিয়াবা গাঢ় নীলা বা মটীয়া ৰঙৰো হয়। ইয়াৰ পিঠিত দুশাৰী হালধীয়া (বা কমলা-হালধীয়াৰ মিশ্ৰণ) ৰঙৰ দুশাৰী ফুটুকীয়া শাৰী থাকে। সাধাৰণতে ইয়াৰ মূৰৰফালে থকা ফুটবোৰ কমলা আৰু পিছফালে থকাবোৰ হালধীয়া হোৱা দেখা যায়।
ইহঁতে ডাঠ হাবিত ঘৰ সাজে আৰু কণী পাৰে পুখুৰী বা তেনে জলাশয়ৰ পানীত। বেছিভাগ সময় ইহঁতে নিজকে শেলুৱৈ ধৰা কাঠ বা শিলৰ তলত লুকুৱাই ৰাখে। শীতকালত ইহঁতে মাটিৰ তলত থাকে। প্ৰতিৰক্ষাৰ বাবে নিজকে লুকুৱাই ৰখা, বিষ নিক্ষেপ কৰা আদি উপায় অৱলম্বন কৰে। শত্ৰুৱে আক্ৰমণ কৰিলে ইহঁতে নিজৰ নেজডাল দেহৰপৰা বিচ্চিন্ন কৰি হাত সাৰিব পাৰে। এই সৰি পৰা অংশবোৰ পিছত পুনৰ্গঠন হয়।
ইহঁতে বসন্ত কালত পুখুৰী বা তেনে জলাশয়ৰ পানীত কণী পাৰে। এবাৰত এজনী মাইকী চালামেণ্ডাৰে ১০০ টালৈকে কণী পাৰে। কণী ফুটি পোৱালি ওলাবলৈ এমাহৰ পৰা দুমাহলৈকে সময় লয়।
ইহঁতে ফৰিং, পোক-পৰুৱা, মকৰা আৰু আন সৰু সৰু সৰীসৃপ চিকাৰ কৰি খায়। ই নিশাচৰ।
এক গৱেষণাত প্ৰমাণিত হৈছে যে, ফুটুকীয়া চালামেণ্ডাৰ ( বৈজ্ঞানিক নাম Ambystoma maculatum) নামৰ সৰীসৃপ প্ৰাণীবিধৰ দেহত পত্ৰহৰিৎযুক্ত শেলাই পোৱা গৈছে আৰু সেয়েহে ইয়াক এতিয়ালৈকে জনা প্ৰথম সালোক সংশ্লেষণকাৰী শেলাই বহনকাৰী মেৰুদণ্ডী প্ৰাণী বুলি অভিহিত কৰা হৈছে । এই আৱিষ্কাৰ ৩০ জুলাই, ২০১০ চনৰ Nature পত্ৰিকাত প্ৰকাশিত হৈছে।[1]
ডেলহাউচি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ৰ বিজ্ঞানী ৰায়ান কাৰ্ণি আৰু তেওঁৰ সতীৰ্থসকলে কেইবাবিধো চালামেণ্ডাৰৰ ভ্ৰূণৰ ওপৰত এক পৰীক্ষা চলাইছিল। এই পৰীক্ষাত এওলোকে সেই বিশেষ চালামেণ্ডাৰবিধৰ ভ্ৰূণৰ কিছুমান কোষৰপৰা এক বিশেষ ধৰণৰ সেউজীয়া আভা বিকিৰিত হোৱা দেখিবলৈ পালে। তাৰপৰাই তেওঁলোক প্ৰথমবাৰৰ বাবে ইয়াত পত্ৰহৰিৎ থকাৰ প্ৰমাণ পালে। এই পত্ৰহৰিতেই সূৰ্য্যৰ পোহৰ শোষণ কৰি সালোক সংশ্লেষণৰ জৰিয়তে কাৰ্বন ডাই অক্সাইড আৰু পানীৰ ৰাসায়নিক ক্ৰিয়াৰ দ্বাৰা গ্লুক’জ প্ৰস্তুত কৰে। তেওঁলোকৰ মতে এই জীৱবিধৰ ভ্ৰূণৰ সালোকসংশ্লেষণকাৰী এবিধ শেলাইৰ লগত যথেষ্ট মিল আছে। তেওলোকে পিছত এটা ঠিক প্ৰষ্ফুটিত হোৱাৰ আগৰ সময়ৰ ভ্ৰণৰ Transmission Electron Microscopy ৰ দ্বাৰা ছবি লৈ এই মন্তব্যত উপনীত হয়।
বিজ্ঞানীৰ দলটোৱে প্ৰকৃততে সেই ভ্ৰণসমূহত শেলাইবিধ আৰু চালামেণ্ডাৰৰ মাইট’কন্দ্ৰিয়াই সহাৱস্থান কৰি থকা বুলিহে কৈছে। ইয়াৰদ্বাৰা দুয়ো দুয়োৰে পৰা লাভবান হৈছে । কিন্তু এনেকৈ এবিধ জীৱৰ কলাসমূহৰ মাজত এবিধ উদ্ভিদে সহাবস্থান কৰি থকাটো অসম্ভৱ । কাৰণ যিকোনো প্ৰাণীত প্ৰতিৰক্ষা কৰিবলৈ থকা কলাসমূহে দেহত সোমোৱা যিকোনো বাহ্যিক পদাৰ্থকে দেহত সোমোৱাত বাধা প্ৰদান কৰে আৰু দেহক সুৰক্ষিত কৰি ৰাখে। যদিহে সুৰক্ষাপ্ৰণালীৰ বাধা অতিক্ৰমি দেহত সেইসমূহ পদাৰ্থ প্ৰৱেশ কৰে, জীৱটোৰ দেহ আক্ৰান্ত হ’ব নাইবা জীৱটোৰ মৃত্যু হ’ব। বিজ্ঞানীসকলে এটি মাতৃ চালামেণ্ডাৰৰ জৰায়ুৰ পৰা দেহলৈ সংযোজিত নলীৰ বেৰতো এই পদাৰ্থসমূহ প্ৰত্যক্ষ কৰিছে। ইয়াৰ অৰ্থ এয়াই যে মাতৃৰ পৰা ভ্ৰূণলৈ এই পদাৰ্থবোৰ গৈছে অথাৎ সেইটো কোনো আক্ৰান্ত ভ্ৰুণ নহয়। কিন্তু এই সহাৱস্থানক লৈ এতিয়াও দ্বিমত নথকা নহয়।[1]
ফুটুকী জেঠী বা হালধীয়া ফুটুকী জেঠী (ইংৰাজী: Spotted Salamander বা Yellow-spotted Salamander) (বৈজ্ঞানিক নাম: Ambystoma maculatum) সাধাৰণতে আমেৰিকা বা কানাডাত পোৱা এবিধ সৰীসৃপ।
The spotted salamander or yellow-spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) is a mole salamander[2] common in eastern United States and Canada.[1] It is the state amphibian of Ohio and South Carolina. The species ranges from Nova Scotia, to Lake Superior, to southern Georgia and Texas.[3] Its embryos have been found to have symbiotic algae living in and around them,[4] the only known example of vertebrate cells hosting an endosymbiont microbe (unless mitochondria are considered).[5][6]
The spotted salamander is about 15–25 cm (5.9–9.8 in) long.[7] With Females generally being larger than males.[8] They are stout, like most mole salamanders, and have wide snouts.[3] The spotted salamander's main color is black, but can sometimes be a blueish-black, dark gray, dark green, or even dark brown. Two uneven rows of yellowish-orange spots run from the top of the head (near the eyes) to the tip of the tail (dorso-lateral ranging).[9] The spotted salamander's spots near the top of its head are more orange, while the spots on the rest of its body are more yellow. The underside of the spotted salamander is slate gray and pink. Sexual dimorphism, physical differences between males and females, is displayed in the form of larger-bodied females having brighter-coloured spots.[10]
The scientific name Ambystoma maculatum comes from Ambystoma– amblys (Greek) for blunt; -stoma (Greek) meaning mouth; or anabystoma (New Latin) meaning ‘to cram into the mouth’ maculatum – macula (Latin) for spot; maculosus (Latin) for spotted.[11]
The spotted salamander usually lives in mature forests with ponds or ephemeral vernal pools for breeding sites.[12] Vernal pools are suitable breeding sites for these amphibians as they dry often enough to exclude fish that eat the salamander eggs and larvae, while retaining water long enough to allow amphibian larvae to complete development and metamorphose into terrestrial adults.[13] A study showed larger pools (as opposed to smaller pools) had more egg masses, higher occupancy, and higher larval survival rates for spotted salamanders.[14] Outside of the breeding season, these salamanders spend their time in forests with well-drained soils that contain many burrows dug by small mammals.[8]
Salamander populations from nearby pools form genetically-distinct metapopulations. Subpopulations within 4.8 kilometers share a higher proportion of genes, while populations greater than 4.8 kilometers share a smaller proportion of genes. Inter-population dispersal is likely mediated by both species-specific behaviors and natural limitations.[15]
Spotted salamanders are fossorial, meaning they spend most of their time underground. They rarely come above ground, except after a rain or for foraging and breeding. During the winter, they brumate underground, and are not seen again until breeding season in early March–May.[16]
Ambystoma maculatum has several methods of defense, including hiding in burrows or leaf litter, autotomy of the tail, and a toxic milky liquid it excretes when perturbed. This secretion comes from large poison glands around the back and neck. The spotted salamander, like other salamanders, shows great regenerative abilities: if a predator manages to dismember a part of a leg, tail, or even parts of the brain, head, or organs, the salamander can grow back a new one, although this takes a massive amount of energy.[17] As juveniles, they spend most of their time under the leaf litter near the bottom of the pools where their eggs were laid. The larvae tend to occupy refuges in vegetation, and lower their activity in the presence of predators.[18]
Ambystoma maculatum tend to follow the same path in their migration to and from their burrows and breeding pools.[19] They accomplish their journey in conditions that lack visual cues, since it is usually during periods of cloud cover. Some studies show evidence of landmark learning in spotted salamanders. Researchers found that spotted salamanders can associate visual landmarks with food. Thus spotted salamanders may learn landmarks in their habitat that are reliable indicators of resource locations or provide orientation clues for migration to and from breeding ponds.[20]
Spotted salamanders feed on earthworms, slugs, snails, spiders, millipedes, centipedes, insects, algae and other invertebrates.[21][22] They sometimes also feed on smaller salamanders, such as the red-backed salamander.[23] The adult spotted salamander uses its sticky tongue to catch food.[23]
During the majority of the year, spotted salamanders live in the shelter of leaves or burrows in deciduous forests. However, when the temperature rises and the moisture level is high, the salamanders make their abrupt migration towards their annual breeding ponds. Recent studies, however, indicate that temperature may be a more important factor than precipitation, as precipitation in winter months increase, yet salamanders do not migrate.[24] In just one night, hundreds to thousands of salamanders may make the trip to their ponds for mating.[16] Males will start a dance-like behavior called a liebsspiel, where afterward they lay down their spermatophore.[25] Males will migrate at higher rates than females early in the migration season. This could be due to different responses to temperature between males and females.[24] Mates usually breed in ponds when it is raining in the spring. Females usually lay about 100 eggs in one clutch that cling to the underwater plants and form egg masses.
The egg masses are round, jelly-like clumps that are usually 6.4–10.2 cm (2.5–4 in) long. The spotted salamander produces a unique polymorphism in the outer jelly layers of its egg masses: one morph has a clear appearance and contains a water-soluble protein, whereas the other morph is white and contains a crystalline hydrophobic protein.[26][27] This polymorphism is thought to confer advantages in vernal pools with varying dissolved nutrient levels, while also reducing mortality from feeding by wood frog larvae.[28][29]
Adults only stay in the water for a few days, then the eggs hatch in one to two months. When the eggs hatch depends on the water temperatures. Eggs of A. maculatum can have a symbiotic relationship with the green alga Oophila amblystomatis.[30] A dense gelatinous matrix surrounds the eggs and prevents the eggs from drying out, but it inhibits oxygen diffusion (required for embryo development).[31] The Oophila alga provides increased oxygen and supplemental nutrition from fixed carbon products via photosynthesis[32] and removes the embryo’s nitrogenous waste (ammonia) in the egg capsule, aiding in the salamander's embryonic development and growth.[33] The developing salamander thus metabolizes the oxygen, producing carbon dioxide (which then the alga consumes). Photosynthetic algae are present within the egg capsule of the developing salamander embryo, enhancing growth. However, the widely used herbicide, atrazine, has been found to significantly lower hatching success rate by eliminating the symbiotic algae associated with the egg masses.[34]
As larvae, they are usually light brown or greenish-yellow. They have small dark spots and are born with external gills. In two to four months, the larvae lose their gills, and become juvenile salamanders that leave the water. Spotted salamanders have been known to live up to 32 years,[35] and normally return to the same vernal pool every year. These pools are seasonal and will usually dry up during the late spring and stay dry until winter.
Spotted salamanders are often preyed on by raccoons, skunks, turtles, and snakes. For this reason they perform an important function by connecting the food chain.[8] Moreover, one of their predators is humans since they are popularly[36] sought out through the pet trade.
The spotted salamander or yellow-spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) is a mole salamander common in eastern United States and Canada. It is the state amphibian of Ohio and South Carolina. The species ranges from Nova Scotia, to Lake Superior, to southern Georgia and Texas. Its embryos have been found to have symbiotic algae living in and around them, the only known example of vertebrate cells hosting an endosymbiont microbe (unless mitochondria are considered).
La salamandra moteada (Ambystoma maculatum) es una especie de anfibio urodelo perteneciente a la familia Ambystomatidae. Puede ser encontrada en las regiones orientales de Norteamérica, desde Ontario y Nueva Escocia hasta Georgia y Texas.[1]
La peculiaridad de esta animal, es ser el primer vertebrado conocido que, mediante una relación simbiótica con el alga Amblystomatis oophila, es capaz de realizar el proceso de fotosíntesis.
Esta salamandra está provista de extremidades cortas y robustas y de ojos bien desarrollados. Presenta una coloración de fondo negra, pardusca o negro-azulada, sobre la que destacan dos hileras irregulares de manchas redondas, amarillas o naranjas, que se extienden desde la cabeza a la cola. Las regiones ventrales son de color gris uniforme. El tronco es robusto y posee a los lados 12 surcos costales bien distinguibles. Su longitud varía desde 18-25 cm.
La especie transcurre la mayor parte de su existencia en madrigueras excavadas en tierras húmedas. Los adultos salen de sus refugios subterráneos exclusivamente de noche y en los días especialmente lluviosos. Durante estas salidas buscan activamente lombrices y otros invertebrados pequeños. En invierno o a comienzos de primavera, los ejemplares maduros sexualmente se dirigen a las charcas y en ellas tiene lugar la reproducción. Las hembras ponen uno o varios amasijos gelatinosos que contienen 50-100 huevos cada uno. La vida larval dura de 2 a 4 meses.
La capacidad de realizar fotosíntesis se debe a que el alga Oophila ambystomatis ingresa al huevo, colocado en al agua. Dentro, se produce una relación simbiótica, ya que el embrión produce nitrógeno que necesita el alga, y esta, produce oxígeno cuando realiza fotosíntesis, que a su vez el embrión lo necesita para respirar. Esta relación, ya era conocida desde antes, pero el descubrimiento, es que la salamandra siendo adulta, continúa con la presencia de esta alga en sus células.
La discusión está en si es un animal capaz de realizar fotosíntesis, o es un animal que aprovecha de la fotosíntesis producida por el alga.
La salamandra moteada (Ambystoma maculatum) es una especie de anfibio urodelo perteneciente a la familia Ambystomatidae. Puede ser encontrada en las regiones orientales de Norteamérica, desde Ontario y Nueva Escocia hasta Georgia y Texas.
La peculiaridad de esta animal, es ser el primer vertebrado conocido que, mediante una relación simbiótica con el alga Amblystomatis oophila, es capaz de realizar el proceso de fotosíntesis.
Ambystoma maculatum Ambystoma generoko animalia da. Anfibioen barruko Ambystomatidae familian sailkatuta dago, Caudata ordenan.
Ambystoma maculatum Ambystoma generoko animalia da. Anfibioen barruko Ambystomatidae familian sailkatuta dago, Caudata ordenan.
Täpläsalamanteri (Ambystoma maculatum) on Ambystoma-sukuun kuuluva pyrstösammakkolaji. Se liikkuu enimmäkseen öisin ja oleskelee päivisin maan alla.
Aikuisen yksilön pituus on noin 15–25 senttiä. Keskiruumis on tukeva. Väriltään se on joko musta, sinertävän musta, tummanharmaa tai tummanruskea. Sen ihossa olevat keltaisen tai oranssin väriset pilkut jatkuvat aina hännäntyveen saakka. Pään lähellä sijaitsevat pilkut ovat, joillakin populaatioilla, tummemman sävyisempiä verrattuna muualla ruumista sijaitseviin pilkkuihin. Raajat ovat lyhyet.
Täpläsalamanteria tavataan Pohjois-Amerikan itäosassa ja eteläisessä Kanadassa. Sitä esiintyy metsissä.
Naaras munii veteen, oksien päälle keväällä. Yksilöt palaavat parittelemaan aina samaan paikkaan.[3]
Täpläsalamanterin ruokavalio koostuu pääosin hyönteisistä, madoista, etanoista, hämähäkeistä, tuhatjalkaisista, sekä muista sammakkoeläimistä. [4][5][6]
Täpläsalamanteri (Ambystoma maculatum) on Ambystoma-sukuun kuuluva pyrstösammakkolaji. Se liikkuu enimmäkseen öisin ja oleskelee päivisin maan alla.
Ambystoma maculatum
Ambystoma maculatum, la Salamandre maculée, est une espèce d'urodèles de la famille des Ambystomatidae[1].
Cette espèce est connue pour sa symbiose avec l'algue verte Oophila amblystomatis.
Cette espèce se rencontre[1],[2] :
On la trouve dans les mares et les étangs, dans les bois, sous les pierres et sous les bois morts.
La longueur de son corps peut atteindre 25 cm[3]. Ses œufs sont vert émeraude, couleur donnée par l'algue présente à la surface de l’œuf aussi bien que dans l'embryon[4]. Son espérance de vie est de 22 à 25 ans en captivité avec un record de 32 ans[3].
Cette espèce et une espèce d'algue verte ont fait l'objet d'une étude par une équipe dirigée par Ryan Kerney de l'université Dalhousie d'Halifax qui met en lumière une symbiose entre le monde végétal et le monde animal[5]. En effet, l'algue verte Oophila amblystomatis[4] colonise les embryons de salamandre et permet des échanges oxygène/azote qui contribuent à améliorer la croissance des embryons[6].
Cette symbiose entre le monde végétal et le monde animal, qui permet la photosynthèse à un animal, n'est pas unique. On la retrouve chez des vers plats (par exemple Symsagittifera roscoffensis avec l'algue Tetraselmis convolutae), tous les coraux tropicaux, des anémones de mer (par exemple Anemonia viridis avec une zooxanthelle), des éponges (par exemple l'éponge pierre Petrosia ficiformis), des limaces de mer (par exemple Elysia chlorotica avec Vaucheria litorea),... Ce qui rend unique l'endosymbiose de la salamandre maculée, c'est que cette dernière est un vertébré. Les vertébrés possèdent un système immunitaire qui élimine généralement tous corps étrangers. Pour déjouer cette barrière, Oophila amblystomatis s'introduit dans l'embryon de la salamandre maculée avant que le système immunitaire de celle-ci ne soit mis en place. Des traces d'Oophila amblystomatis ont été détectées dans le système reproducteur de la salamandre et dans les œufs à des stades très précoces[4].
Ambystoma maculatum Hallowell, 1858 "1857" nec Shaw, 1802 est un synonyme d'Ambystoma mavortium Baird, 1850.
Ambystoma maculatum
Ambystoma maculatum, la Salamandre maculée, est une espèce d'urodèles de la famille des Ambystomatidae.
Cette espèce est connue pour sa symbiose avec l'algue verte Oophila amblystomatis.
La salamandra maculata (Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw, 1802)) è un anfibio della famiglia Ambystomatidae, endemico del Nord America.[2]
La loro lunghezza media è di 18 cm, ma alcuni esemplari arrivano fino ai 23 cm; solitamente la loro pelle è di colore nero a macchie gialle o arancioni, perché, come altre specie di salamandre, rilascia una sostanza velenosa dalla sua pelle.[3]
Sono animali notturni.[4]
Gli esemplari che hanno raggiunto la maturità sessuale (2 o 3 anni nel caso vivano in zone calde, 5 o 6 anni se si trovano in ambienti freddi) migrano verso un acquitrino; i maschi devono arrivare prima delle femmine, così da avere più probabilità di fertilizzare le loro uova, i maschi rilasciano spermatofore (di solito 80 per salamandra) nell'acqua, le femmine le raccolgono dentro il loro corpo, successivamente nascono le uova, che contengono al loro interno l'alga monocellulare Oophila amblystomatis;[5] dopo 4-7 mesi nascono i girini, lunghi circa 12 mm, che dopo soli 2-4 mesi compiono la metamorfosi; i giovani sono lunghi dai 27 ai 60 mm;[4] la loro vita media si aggira tra i 20 e i 30 anni.
La specie è diffusa nel versante orientale del Canada (Nuovo Brunswick, Nuova Scozia, Ontario, Québec) e degli Stati Uniti (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Carolina del Nord, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Carolina del Sud, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Virginia Occidentale, Wisconsin).[1]
Il suo habitat naturale sono le foreste di conifere di montagna, le foreste decidue e le golene.[4]
La salamandra maculata (Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw, 1802)) è un anfibio della famiglia Ambystomatidae, endemico del Nord America.
De gevlekte salamander[2] (Ambystoma maculatum) is een salamander uit de familie molsalamanders of Ambystomatidae.
De soort werd voor het eerst wetenschappelijk beschreven door George Shaw in 1802. Oorspronkelijk werd de wetenschappelijke naam Lacerta maculata gebruikt.[3]
De wetenschappelijke geslachtsnaam Ambystoma betekent 'bekerbek'[bron?] en de soortnaam maculatum betekent 'gevlekt'. De gevlekte salamander staat bekend onder meerdere Nederlandse namen zoals zebrasalamander, (geel)gevlekte landsalamander of (geel)gestipte landsalamander.
Deze salamander is geheel zwart en heeft boven ieder oog een vlek, evenals twee rijen op de rug en links en rechts wisselende vlekken op de staart. Ook op de poten zitten vlekken, die meestal geel zijn, soms oranje. De vlekken zijn niet zo groot als bij de vuursalamander (Salamandra salamandra), en vormen bij sommige ondersoorten banden. Er zijn verder niet erg veel variaties in de vlekpatronen, waardoor ze gemakkelijk te herkennen zijn. Ook de costale groeven aan de flanken zijn zeer duidelijk te zien. Zoals alle Ambystoma-soorten heeft ook deze salamander een dikke kop en staart en korte brede poten. De gevlekte salamander kan tot 20 centimeter lang worden, en een leeftijd bereiken van 10 tot 15 jaar.
De gevlekte salamander komt voor langs het oostelijke deel van de Verenigde Staten, en ook het zuidoosten van Canada, waar hij te vinden is op vochtige plaatsen bij watertjes als plassen, beken en meren. Het dier schuilt onder stenen en boomstammen en komt bij de schemering tevoorschijn om te jagen op wormen, insecten en andere kleine ongewervelden. In de paartijd worden ook wel waterdieren zoals watervlooien en keverlarven gegeten. De rest van het jaar leeft de salamander voornamelijk op het land.[4]
In de eerste levensfase van de gevlekte salamander, in het ei, leeft hij in mutualisme met de alg Oophila amblystomatis. De alg zit rond het embryo en leeft er van de stikstofrijke uitscheiding van de salamander. De alg produceert op zijn beurt zuurstof, die gebruikt wordt door het embryo. De algen komen echter ook voor in de cellen van het embryo. Ze worden er omringd door de mitochondria, die mogelijk de zuurstof en koolhydraten gebruiken die de alg uitscheidt na fotosynthese. Hoe de alg in de cel terechtkomt, is echter nog niet achterhaald. Mogelijk wordt hij doorgegeven van generatie op generatie, wat ingaat tegen de huidige opvatting dat gewervelden vreemde organismen uit hun cellen weren.[5]
Referenties
Bronnen
De gevlekte salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) is een salamander uit de familie molsalamanders of Ambystomatidae.
Multimedia w Wikimedia Commons Ambystoma plamista (Ambystoma maculatum) – gatunek płaza ogoniastago z rodziny ambystomowatych.
Dorasta do 25 cm. Ciało zwarte, tułów i ogon okrągłe w przekroju. Grzbiet jest czarny z granatowym połyskiem, pokryty rzędami okrągławych małych, jaskrawożółtych lub pomarańczowych plamek.
Zamieszkuje głównie obszary zalesione. Ukrywa się w norach, pod kamieniami, w korzeniach drzew itp.
Ambystomy plamiste są jedynymi znanymi[a] kręgowcami, u których stwierdzono endosymbiozę. Osłonki jaj są zasiedlane przez glony Oophila amblystomatis, które następnie wnikają do komórek zarodków płaza[3].
Gody odbywa na wiosnę w małych zbiornikach wody stojącej oraz w wolno płynących strumieniach. Zaloty mają burzliwy przebieg. Godujące samce i samice obwąchują i pocierają się o siebie. Są przy tym bardzo ruchliwe. Samce składają spermatofory na dno zbiornika, są one natychmiast podejmowane przez samice. Samica składa około 250 jaj w kulistych galaretowatych pakietach, przyklejanych do roślin wodnych. Ich średnica wynosi około 2,5-3 mm. Po ich złożeniu dorosłe osobniki opuszczają wodę. Larwy wykluwają się po około 6 tygodniach. Mają wtedy 1-1,5 cm. Przeobrażają się po około 6 tygodniach, przy długości 5-7 cm.
Występuje we wschodniej części Ameryki Północnej od Nowej Szkocji po Teksas.
Sirenoidea Salamandroidea Ambystoma plamista (Ambystoma maculatum) – gatunek płaza ogoniastago z rodziny ambystomowatych.
Ambystoma maculatum é uma espécie de anfíbio caudado pertencente à família Ambystomatidae. Pode ser encontrada nos Estados Unidos da América e no Canadá.[3]
Um estudo por Ryan Kerney, da Universidade de Dalhousie, revelou que células de uma espécie de algas, Oophila amblystomatis vivem simbioticamente dentro das células de Ambystoma maculatum, desde que estes são apenas embriões. Esta relação simbiótica já era conhecida anteriormente, mas pensava-se que as algas não entravam nas células do anfíbio. É o primeiro caso descrito de um organismo fotossintético a viver dentro de células de um vertebrado.[4] Uma característica interessante é a presença das células fotossintetizantes no aparelho reprodutor das fêmeas, o que, de certa forma, evidencia onde ocorre a invasão nas células embrionárias.[5][6]
Ambystoma maculatum é uma espécie de anfíbio caudado pertencente à família Ambystomatidae. Pode ser encontrada nos Estados Unidos da América e no Canadá.
Gulfläckig mullvadssalamander (Ambystoma maculatum) är ett stjärtgroddjur i familjen Mullvadssalamandrar som lever i Nordamerika.[2]
De fullbildade djuren har på ovansidan två oregelbundna rader (en på varje sida) med 24 till 45 stycken gula till orange fläckar på en svart, mörkgrå eller mörkgrun bakgrund. Buken, nedre delen av sidorna och nederdelen av extremiteterna är ljusgrå. Det förekommer sällsynt enfärgade individer utan fläckar. Kroppen är kraftig, med ett brett huvud. Den har, likt många groddjur, giftkörtlar i huden, som kan utsöndra ett vitt, klibbigt sekret om den oroas. Längden varierar mellan 15 och 25 cm.[2]
Den gulfläckiga mullvadssalamandern finns i sydöstra Kanada och östra USA, med västgräns i östra Iowa och östra Texas.[1]
Arten föredrar fuktiga biotoper som löv-, bland- och barrskogar nära vatten där de gömmer sig i förna, under trädgrenar och i underjordiska tunnlar. Vuxna individer lever av insekter, spindlar, mångfotingar, snäckor och sniglar.[2] Larverna livnär sig på små kräftdjur och mygglarver, och när de blir större även skinnbaggar, snäckor och sländlarver.[3]
Leken sker i stillastående vatten utan fiskpopulationer (dammar, vattenhål och liknande). Tidpunkten tycks variera; både uppgifter om vinter- till vårlek och höst finns.[2][3] Hanarna avsätter spermatoforer (upp till 80 per hane) som olika honor tar upp. Varje hona kan därefter lägga mellan 100 och 300 ägg per säsong. Äggen kläcks efter 4 till 7 veckor, och larverna förvandlas efter 2 till 4 månader. De fullbildade salamandrarna blir könsmogna efter 2 till 3 år i de södra delarna av utbredningsområdet; längre norrut tar det emellertid längre tid, upp mot 5 till 6 år.[2]
Dödligheten är mycket stor bland larverna, men när de väl har förvandlats kan de vanligtvis leva i 20 år. Maximal observerad livslängd är 30 år.[2]
Den gulfläckiga mullvadssalamandern betraktas som livskraftig ("LC"), och populationen är i allmänhet stabil. Skogsavverkning utgör emellertid ett potentiellt hot.[1]
Wikimedia Commons har media som rör Gulfläckig mullvadssalamander.
Gulfläckig mullvadssalamander (Ambystoma maculatum) är ett stjärtgroddjur i familjen Mullvadssalamandrar som lever i Nordamerika.
Це незавершена стаття з герпетології.Kỳ giông đốm hay Kỳ giông đốm vàng, tên khoa học Ambystoma maculatum, là một loài kỳ giông phổ biến ở đông Hoa Kỳ và Canada. Kỳ giông đốm đốm là loài lưỡng cư biểu tượng tiểu bang South Carolina. Phạm vi phân bố của nó từ Nova Scotia, đến hồ Superior, miền nam Georgia và Texas.[2] Các nghiên cứu gần đây phát hiện ra phôi của chúng có tảo cộng sinh sống bên trong.[3]
Bài viết Bộ Có đuôi này vẫn còn sơ khai. Bạn có thể giúp Wikipedia bằng cách mở rộng nội dung để bài được hoàn chỉnh hơn. Kỳ giông đốm hay Kỳ giông đốm vàng, tên khoa học Ambystoma maculatum, là một loài kỳ giông phổ biến ở đông Hoa Kỳ và Canada. Kỳ giông đốm đốm là loài lưỡng cư biểu tượng tiểu bang South Carolina. Phạm vi phân bố của nó từ Nova Scotia, đến hồ Superior, miền nam Georgia và Texas. Các nghiên cứu gần đây phát hiện ra phôi của chúng có tảo cộng sinh sống bên trong.
Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw, 1802)
Синонимы
Жёлтопятнистая амбистома[2] (лат. Ambystoma maculatum) — вид амбистомовых, встречающийся в восточной части США и Канады.
Может достигать в длину 19—25 см. Имеет чёрное тело с жёлтыми пятнами на спине, хотя некоторые особи могут их не иметь. Живёт в листопадных лесах со свободными от рыб озёрами и прудами, необходимыми саламандре для откладывания яиц и развития личинок. Питается беспозвоночными, такими как дождевые черви и слизни, иногда насекомыми. Обычно проводят время под землёй, хотя и выходят на поверхность во влажные дни.
В тканях тела амфибии живут клетки водорослей Oophila amblystomatis. Эти водоросли присутствуют под оболочкой икринок, в самих эмбрионах и даже во взрослых особях. Внутри клеток земноводных, где поселились водоросли, последних окружают митохондрии. Эти водоросли окрашивают икринки и эмбрионы в зелёный цвет. По какой-то причине иммунная система позвоночного не реагирует на этих эндосимбионтов.[3]
Вид был впервые описан Джорджем Шоу в 1802 году в работе «Общая зоология или систематическое естествознание».
Жёлтопятнистая амбистома (лат. Ambystoma maculatum) — вид амбистомовых, встречающийся в восточной части США и Канады.
Может достигать в длину 19—25 см. Имеет чёрное тело с жёлтыми пятнами на спине, хотя некоторые особи могут их не иметь. Живёт в листопадных лесах со свободными от рыб озёрами и прудами, необходимыми саламандре для откладывания яиц и развития личинок. Питается беспозвоночными, такими как дождевые черви и слизни, иногда насекомыми. Обычно проводят время под землёй, хотя и выходят на поверхность во влажные дни.
В тканях тела амфибии живут клетки водорослей Oophila amblystomatis. Эти водоросли присутствуют под оболочкой икринок, в самих эмбрионах и даже во взрослых особях. Внутри клеток земноводных, где поселились водоросли, последних окружают митохондрии. Эти водоросли окрашивают икринки и эмбрионы в зелёный цвет. По какой-то причине иммунная система позвоночного не реагирует на этих эндосимбионтов.
Вид был впервые описан Джорджем Шоу в 1802 году в работе «Общая зоология или систематическое естествознание».
斑點鈍口螈（学名：Ambystoma maculatum），別稱黃點鈍口螈，是一種在美國東部和加拿大常見的斑點蠑螈。斑點蠑螈還是南卡羅來納州的象征物種。它的活動范圍從新斯科舍，蘇必利爾湖，到南方的喬治亞州和德州。[2]目前已發現其胚胎中存在共生的藻類。[3]
斑點鈍口螈大約有15～25厘米（5.9～9.8英寸）長。[4]它們很胖，并和大部分斑點蠑螈相似，口鼻部很寬。[2]斑點鈍口螈大部分是黑色的，不過也有少部分是青色，黑色，深灰色，深綠色，甚至黑褐色的。兩組不平行的桔黃色斑點從頭頂靠近眼睛的地方一直到尾部都有分布。有趣的是，靠近它頭頂的斑點更偏向於橙色，而在它身體的其余部分的斑點更偏向於黃色。而斑點鈍口螈的腹部一般是石板灰色和粉色。
斑點鈍口螈通常為了孵化而在有水洼的闊葉林區域筑巢。因為棲息的魚會吃掉它們的卵和幼小的個體，因此它們不能在大部分水洼中產卵。斑點鈍口螈是穴居動物，也就是說它們一生中大部分時間都在地下生活。除了在雨后或是覓食、產卵，它們很少會在地面上活動。在冬天，它們會一直呆在地下冬眠，直到次年三月到五月的繁殖季才會再次到地面活動。
斑點鈍口螈可以通過躲藏在洞穴或枯枝落葉中，斷尾，或排泄由背部和頸部周圍大型毒腺分泌的毒性乳狀液體等方式來自衛。像其它的蠑螈一樣，斑點鈍口螈有著很強的再生能力——即使腿，尾巴甚至是頭的一部分被扯掉，都可以再生。（雖然這需要消耗很多能量）[5]在斑點鈍口螈的幼年時期，它們大部分時間都呆在出生的池塘附近的枯枝落葉中躲起來，以防止被天敵發現。[6]
斑點鈍口螈在大部分生命中都生活在利於隱蔽的落葉林中落下的樹葉或是洞穴中。然而，當溫度升高而且濕潤的時候，它們就會向產卵地遷移。可能在短短的一個晚上，就有幾百到幾千只斑點鈍口螈到池塘進行交配。它們通常是在下雨的春季時節進行交配，雌性一般會在水底的植物上產下大約100枚卵。卵通常是長約2.5～4英寸（6.4～10.2 cm）的圓形，清潔的礫狀團塊。成年格力通常只在水里停留幾天就會離開，而留下的卵會在一到兩個月內孵化出來。它們的卵可以與一種叫做Oophila amblystomatis的綠藻共生。[7]卵上的果凍狀塗層可以防止卵變干，但是同時也會抑制對於胚胎發育很重要的氧氣的擴散。而氧氣可以則可以由與其共生的綠藻通過光合作用來提供。發育中的斑點鈍口螈可以消耗氧氣，并產生二氧化碳（之後可用於綠藻的光合作用）。而與其共生的綠藻一般是寄生在斑點鈍口螈的體細胞，甚至生殖細胞中。[3] 當卵里的胚胎破殼而出的時間隨水溫的變化而有所不同。在幼年時期，斑點鈍口螈通常是淺棕色或黃綠色的，并擁有灰色小斑點和外腮。在兩個月到四個月的時間內，它們的腮會退化，并離開水域進入少年時期。已知的資料顯示，斑點鈍口螈最長可以活32年[8]，並且一般每年都會回到同一個水洼中。這些水池一般都是時令的，通常會在晚春乾涸并已知持續到冬天。
斑點蠑螈的食物包括蟋蟀，蚯蚓，昆蟲，蜘蛛，蛞蝓，蜈蚣，和千足蟲。它們通常是在晚上出來活動并覓食。[9]
斑點鈍口螈的胚胎可以通過共生的綠藻吸收能量。而且最近的研究還表明，在斑點鈍口螈的成年個體的囊泡中葉存在共生的藻類。[10][11][9]
_Larva.jpg)
_Larva.jpg)
_(39592157295).jpg)
