Description: 6 - 8 inches. Western Tiger Salamanders are highly variable in color and pattern. Young Tiger Salamanders may lack spots completely, and some adults may have spots so broad that they appear to be yellow with fine dark lines. The belly is yellowish in color with a darker marbled pattern.

Similar Species: Western Tiger Salamander may be confused with the Eastern Tiger Salamander. During their aquatic larval period, both tiger salamanders may be mistaken for the Mudpuppy.

Comments: Tiger salamanders most often breed in fishless wetlands, but adults spend much of the season in upland habitats. Adults overwinter in the uplands and burrow below the frostline.