Scientific Name – Ambystoma mavortium

Classification – Ambystomatidae

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 15 to 30.5 cm (5.9 to 12 in)

 Speed – Can move rapidly

Life Expectancy – 12 -15 years in captivity

Breeding Season – Year round

Incubation Period – 3 – 4 weeks

Special Features – Sturdy body with broad head; the larva is entirely aquatic whereas adults are mainly terrestrial

Family Unit – Solitary creatures except during breeding season

Geographical Distribution – Western Canada, western United States, northern Mexico

World Population – Unknown; estimated to be more than 1,000,000

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Natural Habitat – Lowland deciduous forests, coniferous forests, open fields and rough ground, woodlands, grasslands, upland meadows, semi-deserts and deserts

Diet – Fish, tadpoles, grasshoppers, cricket nymphs, flies, beetles, earthworms

Predators – Birds, snakes, fish