The Southern Long-toed Salamander, scientific name Ambystoma macrodactylum, is a species of salamander found in western North America. They inhabit moist environments and are often found near ponds and streams. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the physical characteristics of this amphibian and caring for it.
If you’re interested in learning how to care for a Southern Long Toed Salamander, you may also find this guide on how to care for a northern spring salamander helpful.
How to Care for a Southern Long-toed Salamander?
The Southern Long-toed Salamander is a species that does not require a lot of special care. It is important to provide the proper environment for your pet with an adequately sized tank, temperature control, and appropriate substrate.
When caring for the Southern Long-toed Salamander, it is important to keep the tank clean by regularly changing the substrate and removing uneaten food. It should also have a secure lid that will prevent escape since this species is able to climb. This salamander species also require a humidity level of between 70% to 80%, so it is important to mist the enclosure regularly.
If you’re interested in learning how to care for a Southern long-toed salamander, you may also want to check out this helpful guide on how to care for a yellow eyed ensatina.
Body Structure
These salamanders are typically about four inches long, although some can grow up to eight inches. They have 12-13 costal grooves (ridges running along their sides), and their tail is flattened from side to side. Larger adults often have gills on either side of their heads.
If you’re interested in learning how to care for a Southern long-toed salamander, you may find some helpful tips in this guide on how to care for an imitator salamander.
Coloration and Markings
The Southern Long-toed Salamander has a dusky or black coloration above, with a yellow dorsal stripe that is interrupted by dark blotches. Coloration may differ based on age and location; for example, juveniles may be browner or olive-colored than adults. These colors help them blend in with their environment, which provides them with an extra layer of protection from predators.
Vocalization of the Southern Long-toed Salamander
The Southern Long-toed Salamander has two forms of vocalization: squeaks and clicks. These unique sounds are used as a form of communication between adults during mating season or when defending territory from other salamanders. The squeaks are low-frequency sounds that can be heard from up to 10 meters away and the clicks are high-frequency sounds that can be heard from further distances.
Benefits of Vocalizing for Adults
Adult salamanders use their vocalizations for several reasons including attracting mates during the breeding season, warning predators away from their territory, and calling out for help when threatened by predators. Vocalizing also helps them stay connected with each other within a group so that they can coordinate their responses if necessary (such as when defending against a predator).
How Predators React to Southern Long-toed Salamander Vocalizations
The sound of the Southern Long-toed Salamander’s vocalizations is often enough to scare away potential predators such as snakes or birds. In addition, research has shown that some species respond positively to these sounds as it signals food availability or safety in numbers (for example, if there is a large group of salamanders making noise then it may be too much work for a predator to attack them all). This behavior is beneficial because it helps salamanders stay safe while also keeping their population numbers healthy by deterring predation.
The Temperament of the Southern Long-toed Salamander
The Southern Long-toed Salamander is known for its peaceful nature. They get along well with other animals, so they can be kept in a terrarium with other species without any problems. This type of salamander also rarely shows aggression towards humans or other animals, so they can be handled without fear of being bitten or attacked.
The Behavior of the Southern Long-toed Salamander
The Southern Long-toed Salamander is mainly active during the night and spends most of its day resting in damp spots or burrows under logs or rocks. During the night, they will emerge from these hiding spots to hunt for food such as worms, slugs, insects, spiders, and even small fish!
These salamanders are also quite social creatures who love to interact with one another by playing “follow the leader” games or engaging in wrestling matches! This behavior makes them an ideal pet for those looking for something more than just a static terrarium decoration.
The Life Cycle of the Southern Long-toed Salamander
The southern long-toed salamander is an interesting creature that can live for several years in captivity or in the wild if cared for properly. It’s important to understand its entire life cycle so that you can provide it with an appropriate living environment throughout its entire lifespan! With proper care, these amazing creatures can provide countless hours of enjoyment for all types of terrarium owners!
Eggs and Larvae Stage
The female Southern long-toed salamander lays her eggs in shallow pools or ponds during late winter or early spring. The eggs hatch into larvae within a few weeks and spend the next 6 months feeding on small insects such as mosquito larvae and non-predatory fish. During this stage, they grow rapidly, reaching lengths up to 4 inches by October.
Juvenile Stage
By October, the larvae transform into juveniles—fully formed miniature versions of adults. The juvenile phase is a dangerous time since they are still relatively small and vulnerable to predators such as snakes and birds. Juveniles feed on insects and other invertebrates, gradually growing larger until they reach adulthood.
Adult Stage
Adult Southern long-toed salamanders reach lengths up to 8 inches in length. They have brownish-gray skin with yellow spots on their backs and sides, as well as yellow tinges around their eyes and mouths. Adults typically live for about 5 years in captivity; however, some may survive for much longer if given adequate care in captivity or if released into the wild.
What Does a Southern Long-Toed Salamander Eat?
The Southern long-toed salamander is an insectivore, meaning that its diet consists primarily of insects. The most common foods they eat include crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and earthworms. You should also provide them with some leafy greens such as spinach or kale in order to get some much-needed vitamins and minerals into their diet. If you’re looking for an even healthier option, you can always offer them pieces of fruit or vegetables like strawberries or peas.
Feeding Your Pet Salamander
When it comes time to feed your pet salamanders, there are some general guidelines you should follow in order to ensure that they get the nutrients they need from their food without overfeeding them. First off, you should only offer them enough food for one feeding per day – any more than that and you run the risk of overfeeding them which can lead to health problems down the line.
Finally, keep in mind that these animals have very specific dietary needs and requirements so make sure that whatever food you provide meets those needs before offering it up as a meal.
How to Create a Terrarium for the Southern Long-toed Salamander
The Southern Long-toed Salamander is an adorable amphibian that loves to explore. Creating a terrarium for the Southern Long-toed Salamander can be fun and rewarding. This blog post will provide step-by-step instructions on how to create a terrarium that is suitable for the Southern Long-toed Salamander. Let’s get started!
Choose Appropriate Substrate
Choose an appropriate substrate, such as long-fiber sphagnum moss, peat moss, or coconut coir. The soil should be moist but not wet and should have a pH of 5.5 – 6.5. Be sure to add some gravel or rocks on top of the substrate so that your salamander has something to hide under while it’s exploring its new home.
Add Plants and Decorations
Add plants, decorations, and other items that are safe for your salamander. Plants help provide shade and hiding spots for your salamander, which make them feel more secure in their new environment. Make sure to avoid using any artificial plants or decorations as these could potentially harm your salamander if ingested. Decorations such as driftwood, rocks, and logs will also help with creating an aesthetically pleasing terrarium design.
Install a Water Feature
The next step is to install a water feature in your terrarium. Include a shallow dish filled with clean dechlorinated water so that your salamander can soak whenever it needs some hydration during its exploratory adventures! Make sure the water dish is shallow enough so that it does not flood the substrate when it rains or when you mist the terrarium manually with a spray bottle.
Conclusion
The Southern Long-Toed Salamander is an amazing creature whose temperamental nature makes them perfect for terrariums and pet owners alike! Their peaceful demeanor combined with their playful behavior makes them a great choice for any pet lover looking for something unique and special to add to their home. Whether you’re looking for a new friend or just want something cute to watch while you relax after a long day at work, these little guys are sure to bring plenty of smiles your way! So what are you waiting for? Bring home your very own Southern Long-toed Salamander today!