Drainspout Salamander by Mary Beth Lundquist

Mary Beth shared the photo above with me after last week’s post about the Misunderstood Michigan Mudpuppy. I’ve shared some great information about Michigan reptiles & amphibians from Nick Scobel, author of the Herping Michigan blog. I shared Mary Beth’s photos with him, and he said he’s fairly certain that this is an Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum). His excellent article about Michigan’s amphibians says (in part):

This large and robust salamander is the largest species of terrestrial salamander which occurs in North America, with some adults reaching over a foot in length. It is rarely seen outside of the breeding season, with the exception of the 4-5 inch juveniles which emerge in late summer around breeding sites. Tigers are easily distinguished from any other Michigan salamander by their sheer size, large head and oversized jaw, and the large protruding eyes. Some individuals may exhibit brilliant blotches of golden yellow or light brown, while others are extremely dark with very little noticeable pattern. This species is sexually dimorphic, which means males can be distinguished from females by their physical appearance.

Read more at Herping Michigan & be sure to look down when you’re digging in the dirt this spring!!