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Where do salamanders hide during the day?
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Caudata
Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) are widespread across much of the United States. Although they are generally black with yellow blotches, bars, spots, or even stripes, some are lighter in colour or have olive markings. Tiger salamanders belong to the mole salamander family, Ambystomatidae.
Because adult salamanders are primarily nocturnal, they seek refuge during the day to avoid exposure. Their choice of daytime hiding spot depends on their specific environment and species:
- Surface Refuges: Many terrestrial species hide under fallen logs, rocks, and surface litter, or within thick leaf litter and rock piles.1
- Subterranean Retreats: Salamanders may hide in soil crevices or utilize burrows originally created by mammals and invertebrates.1
- Specialized Habitats: Climbing species may hide in trees, on shrubs, or within rock crevices. During particularly cold or dry periods, some species may retreat into caves.1
Some salamanders remain hidden underground for extended periods, emerging only when environmental conditions—specifically moisture and temperature—are optimal for activity or breeding.12