Scientific Name – Ambystoma texanum

Classification – Ambystomatidae

Baby Name – Efts

Collective Noun – Congress, band or maelstrom

Average Length – 4.5 to 7 in

Speed – Fast moving creature

Life Expectancy – 5.3 years in captivity

Breeding Season – Early spring

Incubation Period – 3 to 8 weeks

Special Features – Possess relatively small head with a short and blunt snout; has a long tail

Family Unit – Usually solitary except during the breeding season; there is no parental involvement after the eggs are laid

Geographical Distribution – Central United States

World Population – Unknown, but believed to exceed 1,00,000

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Natural Habitat – Forested floodplains, swamp forests, deciduous forests and associated wetlands, moist pine woodlands, tallgrass prairies, near temporary ponds, farming areas, along streams

Diet – Insects, slugs, earthworms

Predators – Birds, snakes