Ambystomatidae

Ambystomoidea is a suborder of tailed amphibians, commonly known as mole salamanders, belonging to the order Caudata. These amphibians are typically found in North America and are characterized by their well-developed lungs and the absence of nasolabial grooves.12

Mole salamanders, within the family Ambystomatidae, are generally of small to moderate size, reaching up to 35 cm in length. They are known for their terrestrial or semi-aquatic lifestyles and often possess distinct patterns or bright colors for camouflage or warning.13

Many salamanders, including those in the Ambystomatidae family, undergo a larval stage with external gills before metamorphosing into their adult form. However, some species exhibit paedomorphosis, retaining larval characteristics like gills into adulthood and breeding in this state, a phenomenon seen in species like the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). Fertilization in this group is typically internal, with males producing spermatophores that females then ingest.43