What is in the Ambystomatidae family?

What is in the Ambystomatidae family?

Ambystomatidae
Mole salamander/Family

How many species are in the family Ambystomatidae?

30 species
The family Ambystomatidae (mole salamanders) contains about 30 species exclusive to North America, all of them usually classified into the single genus Ambystoma (AmphibiaWeb, 2004; but see Petranka, 1998).

Why are Axolotls endangered?

The leading causes of Axolotl decline are human development, waste water disposal, and loss of habitat due to droughts. Despite their prevalence in the aquarium trade, these species are critically endangered in the wild.

What family is an axolotl in?

Axolotl/Family

axolotl, (Ambystoma mexicanum), salamander of the family Ambystomatidae (order Caudata), notable for its permanent retention of larval features, such as external gills. The species is found only in Lake Xochimilco, within Mexico City, where it is classified as a critically endangered species.

What is the first Axolotl?

When the Aztecs settled the Valley of Mexico in the 13th century, they found a large salamander living in the lake surrounding the island where they built their capital, Tenochtitlán. They called the salamander “axolotl” after Xolotl, their god of fire and lightning.

Is it legal to own a Axolotl?

Axolotls are illegal to own in some states, including California, Maine, New Jersey, and Virginia. In New Mexico, they are legal to own but illegal to import from other states. Check your local exotic pet laws to verify that you may keep one.

Is it bad to have an axolotl as a pet?

Axolotls are large, adorable salamanders that are native to Mexico. Though not as common as snakes or large lizards, they have a growing fan base in the exotic pet community. Hardy and easy to care for, axolotls are great pets for people who may not have a lot of experience with exotic animals.

What’s a baby salamander called?

efts
Young salamanders in the larval stage are called efts, according to the San Diego Zoo. They resemble tadpoles, and as they get older, they grow legs.

Where can I get an axolotl?

However, axolotls are widely available from private breeders and axolotl enthusiasts. They may also be available at reptile shows and expos. You can order them over the internet or you may be able to get one special ordered from the exotic pet store in your area.

Where are axolotls illegal?

Where can Ambystoma mexicanum be found?

Ambystoma mexicanum is historically found in Lakes Chalco and Xochimilco of the Valley of Mexico near Mexico City, Mexico. (Smith, et al., 1989; Brandon, et al., 1989; Smith, 1969)

Is it an axolotl or an Ambystoma?

Although these are all sometimes referred to as axolotls, the name “axolotl” is best confined to the species Ambystoma mexicanum.

What is the courtship behavior of an Ambystoma mexicanum?

The courtship behavior of A. mexicanum follows the general Ambystoma pattern; it first involes each animal nudging the other’s cloacal region, eventually leading to a “waltz,” with both animals moving in a circle. Next, the male moves away while undulating the posterior part of his body and tail (resembling a “hula dance”), and the female follows.

Is the Ambystomatidae-Dicamptodontidae clade sister to Salamandridae?

Past analyses have placed the ambystomatids sister to Plethodontidae due to shared osteological characters and spinal nerve pattern. Most current analyses suggest instead that the Ambystomatidae-Dicamptodontidae clade is sister to Salamandridae.