By Leslie Seaholm
Geographic Range
Ambystoma annulatum has been mostly found in the vicinity of Hot Springs Arkansas and throughout most of the forested Ozark Plateau in Missouri (Bishop 1962, Johnson 1977). Small populations of ringed salamanders have been found in south western Illinois and eastern Oklahoma as well (Petranka 1998). (Bishop, 1962; Johnson, 1977; Petranka, 1998)
Habitat
Ambystoma annulatum prefers damp hardwood forests that are near shallow ponds (Bishop 1962). These salamanders are usually found hidden under rocks and logs, in piles of dead leaves, or burrowing in the soil; most of the year is spent below the surface of the ground (Bishop 1962, Johnson 1977). (Bishop, 1962; Johnson, 1977)
These animals are found in the following types of habitat:
temperate 
; terrestrial .
Terrestrial Biomes:
forest .
Aquatic Biomes:
lakes and ponds; temporary pools.
Physical Description
(5.51 to 10.04 in)
Adult ringed salamanders range in length from 140 to 180 mm (5 1/2 to 7 inches). The record length is 255 mm (9 1/2 inches). Ambystoma annulatum has a slender well-rounded body with a small elongated head and a long tail. They have depressed snouts that are evenly and bluntly rounded. A. annulatum has about 15 costal grooves and 5 toes on the hind feet. They also have "vomerine teeth in two short series entirely between the inner nares, each series consisting of three rows of about 7 - 11 small blunt teeth" (Bishop 1962).
This is a striking salamander that is a dark blackish brown color with light cross bands and spots that are a buff - yellow color. There is some variation in the intensity of the markings. The belly is a pale grayish white. Usually, there is a short, light colored bar between the eyes. Someimes this continues below the eyes, pointing backwards diagnally. Looking from the top, the tail and body can appear to be completely ringed, hence the name "ringed" salamander. Interestingly enough, the rings never completely go around the body. Males and females are monomorphic and no textual evidence has been found if geographic or seasonal variation within the species exists.
The larvae of ringed salamanders are an average of 48 mm in length. They have well developed legs and toes and have a dorsal fin that extends to the head. Dorsally and on the lower sides there is uniform coloration. On the sides there is a broad, definite band lacking pigmentation from the gills to two-thirds down the tail. Juveniles get their yellow coloration after metamorphosis, and form their adult patterns within two months
(Bishop 1962, Johnson 1977, Petranka 1998).
Some key physical features:
ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry .
Sexual dimorphism: sexes alike.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs once yearly.
Breeding occurs during the fall, between September and November.
Eggs are fertilized internally via spermatophores and the eggs are deposited in shallow, fishless water in the fall, mostly in October (Petranka 1998). Courtship occurs in shallow water as well (Johnson 1977).
They reproduce at night in breeding ponds where hundreds of them congregate. Usually the males are found at the breeding ponds first, and are distinguishable from the females by their swollen cloacas (Bishop 1962). Males will usually approach females. They start off by nudging the female's cloaca, and then swim off a short distance and deposit a few spermatophores (Petranka 1998). A male may deposit nine spermataphores in two minutes (Petranka 1998). The more males that come into the breeding area, the less specific males get when depositing spermatophores, nudging both males and females before deposition (Petranka 1998). Males deposit spermatophores on rocks, on other spermatophores, and even on other individuals. At this time females are generally passive and do not pick up seminal fluid while they are actively being courted by males (Petranka 1998). Breeding lasts a few days, after which the salamanders begin to move away from the ponds (Bishop 1962). (Bishop, 1962; Johnson, 1977; Petranka, 1998)
Mating systems:
polygynous .
Ringed salamanders reproduce in shallow water. Breeding takes place in the fall between September and November (Bishop 1962). Cool temperatures and heavy rains stimulate breeding. Females begin ovipositing within 1 - 2 days after breeding. These salamanders are usually sexually mature 2 - 3 years after metamorphosis (Petranka 1998). Eggs are laid in clusters with an average of 10 eggs in a cluster (Bishop 1962). Usually, about 150 eggs are laid in total and are sometimes attached to vegetation but are usually laid directly on the bottom of ponds (Bishop 1962). The embryonic period of A. annulatum is fairly short. Premature pond freezing and drying are the biggest risks to the embryos and larvae (Petranka 1998). A. annulatum is an explosive breeder, and at times breeding males will try to reproduce 2 - 4 times during the breeding season (Petranka 1998). (Bishop, 1962; Petranka, 1998)
Key reproductive features:
iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; sexual ; fertilization (internal ); oviparous .
Aside from provisioning eggs before fertilization there is no parental care.
Parental investment:
no parental involvement.
Lifespan/Longevity
Longevity in ringed salamanders is unknown. Some other salamander species may live up to 10 years.
Behavior
Ringed salamanders are solitary except during the breeding season. They are most active during moist weather and spend most of their time underground or under leaf litter.
Communication and Perception
Ringed salamanders may communicate mainly through chemical and tactile cues during the breeding season.
Food Habits
Ambystoma annulatum is carnivorous, eating mostly earthworms, insects, land snails, and other invertebrates (Johnson 1977). Cannibalism has been observed in this species in both the field and the laboratory (Petranka 1998). Larvae of A. annulatum eat ostracods, hemipterans, and dragonfly and damselfly nymphs (Petranka 1998). (Johnson, 1977; Petranka, 1998)
Primary Diet:
carnivore (insectivore , vermivore).
Animal Foods:
amphibians; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods; mollusks; terrestrial worms; aquatic or marine worms.
Predation
- owls (Strigiformes)
- snakes (Serpentes)
- shrews (Sorex)
- skunks (Mephitidae)
- raccoons (Procyon lotor)
- Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana)
Predators of ringed salamanders include owls, snakes, shrews, skunks, raccoons, opossums, and other mammals (Petranka 1998). When these salamanders are being attacked or feel threatened they will coil their bodies while tucking their heads underneath the base of their tales for protection (Petranka 1998). (Petranka, 1998)
Ecosystem Roles
Ringed salamanders are important predators of small invertebrates in the ecosystems in which they live. Some animals may depend on the dense aggregations of salamander eggs during the breeding season.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
There are no negative impacts of ringed salamanders.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Ringed salamanders are not economically important to humans, but are of interest to scientists and to nature-oriented tourists. It is a specialized species, unique to its Ozark habitat. Because of their docility and striking appearance, they might be useful in environmental education programs (Petranka 1998). (Petranka, 1998)
Ways that people benefit from these animals:
ecotourism .
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: [link]:
Least Concern.
US Federal List: [link]:
No special status.
CITES: [link]:
No special status.
Ringed salamanders are an increasingly rare (and probably endangered) animal, most likely because of their restricted range and specific breeding requirements (Petranka 1998). The breeding habitats for these creatures should be protected whenever possible. (Petranka, 1998)
Contributors
Leslie Seaholm (author), Michigan State University.
James Harding 
(editor), Michigan State University.
