Scientific Name – Ambystoma maculatum

Classification – Ambystomatidae

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 15–25 cm (5.9–9.8 in)

Average Weight – 12.84 g

 Speed – Can execute short bursts of speed

Life Expectancy – Around 20 years

Mating Season – Spring

Incubation Period – 4 to 7 weeks

Special Features – Possess glands on the skin which releases white toxic liquid when alarmed; body is relatively stout compared to other salamanders

Family Unit – Solitary animal except during the breeding season; spends most of their time under rocks, logs or in burrows of other animals

Geographical Distribution – Eastern United States and Canada

World Population – Unknown

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Natural Habitat – Moist, low-lying forests near floodplains, upland forests, mountainous regions

Diet – Crickets, worms, spiders, insects, slugs, centipedes, millipedes

Predators – Skunks, raccoons, chipmunks, turtles,  opossums, squirrels, snakes