description Mole Salamander Overview
The Mole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) is a small, stocky mole salamander native to the southeastern United States, ranging from Texas to North Carolina. The species is noted for facultative paedomorphosis, where some individuals retain larval gills and remain fully aquatic throughout adulthood, while others metamorphose into terrestrial adults. They inhabit bottomland forests and breed in temporary wetlands.
help Mole Salamander FAQ
Where does the Mole Salamander live?
Ambystoma talpoideum occurs across parts of the southeastern United States, from eastern Texas through the Gulf and Atlantic Coastal Plains to the Carolinas, with northern extensions toward southern Illinois. It usually breeds in fish-free woodland ponds. [North Carolina Parks](https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/amphibians/view.php?sciName=Ambystoma+talpoideum)
What is unusual about the Mole Salamander's life cycle?
It shows facultative paedomorphosis, meaning some individuals become terrestrial adults while others retain larval gills and remain aquatic even after reaching sexual maturity. Paedomorphic adults can sometimes metamorphose later if their pond conditions change. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ambystoma_talpoideum/)
Why does the Mole Salamander need fish-free breeding ponds?
Its larvae are vulnerable to predatory fish, so populations are generally associated with temporary or permanent ponds without fish. The surrounding habitat is usually forested, which provides cover when terrestrial adults leave the water. [North Carolina Parks](https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/amphibians/view.php?sciName=Ambystoma+talpoideum)
How large is a Mole Salamander?
Animal Diversity Web gives a typical body length of about 3.15 to 4.72 inches. It has a short, stocky body and a broad head, with aquatic paedomorphic adults retaining external gills. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ambystoma_talpoideum/)
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