Ambystoma velasci Dugès, 1888

Taxonomic Trait

The plateau tiger salamander, Ambystoma velasci, shows facultative paedomorphosis.

Adult Coloration

Adult individuals have olive green coloration with dark spots across their back, and white or cream coloration on the underside of their abdomen.

Gill Retention

This species retains external gills like other aquatic salamander species.

Metamorphosis Trigger

However, adult plateau tiger salamanders can undergo an additional metamorphosis through a complex genetic mechanism triggered by environmental conditions.

Metamorphosis Physical Changes

During this change, the salamander shrinks in size, loses its external gills, and its legs become longer.

Geographic Range

The plateau tiger salamander is generally recognized as endemic to Mexico, though its range may extend into the United States.

Distribution Within Mexico

It has a wide geographic distribution within Mexico, reaching from Chihuahua in the north to Durango in the south, and as far west as Jalisco.

General Habitat Types

Its natural habitats include grasslands, which encompass both sparse forest and semiarid grassland.

Highland Habitat

In the highlands of central Mexico, the species lives in ponds and small streams located in tropical deciduous forests or pine-oak forests.

Breeding Habitats

Breeding occurs in a variety of aquatic habitats: deep volcanic lakes, shallow vernal pools, artificial cattle ponds, and intermittent, fish-free stream pools.