© R. Wayne Van Devender

    The Jefferson Salamander, more slender than most species of Ambystoma, is dark brown or gray with blue flecking (most prominent on juveniles) on the limbs and lower sides with the belly significantly more pale.  The Jefferson salamander has long digits, a laterally compressed tail, and a wide snout.  Total length ranges from 10.7 - 22 cm (4.25 - 8.5 in).  Breeding begins in March to April with the male depositing spermatophores on debris in the water.  The female picks up the spermatophore and internal fertilization takes place.  Each female lays 10 - 20 egg masses, each egg mass containing 15 - 20 eggs.  Eggs hatch into larvae in little over a month.  Larvae then transform into juveniles sometime between July and September.   Jefferson salamanders become reproductively mature after another 18 months.

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