Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: SALAMANDER, MOLE

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AMPHIBIA

Order: CAUDATA

Family: AMBYSTOMATIDAE

Genus: AMBYSTOMA

Species: TALPOIDEUM

Taxonomic Authority: (HOLBROOK)

Taxonomy References: 025

Status

NONGAME
STATE RANK S2
GLOBAL RANK G5

Status References: 001

Habitat Summary

"Occur in swamps and lowland forests under logs or leaf litter with scattered sticks and twigs. Breed in woodland ponds or swamp pools."

Primary Habitat: "Forest - bottomland"

References: 023 , 001

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Restricted to Mississippi river lowlands *01*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
BOLLINGER ADAIR
BUTLER ANDREW
CAPE GIRARDEAU ATCHISON
DUNKLIN AUDRAIN
NEW MADRID BARRY
PERRY BARTON
RIPLEY BATES
STODDARD BENTON
WAYNE BOONE
BUCHANAN
CALDWELL
CALLAWAY
CAMDEN
CARROLL
CARTER
CASS
CEDAR
CHARITON
CHRISTIAN
CLARK
CLAY
CLINTON
COLE
COOPER
CRAWFORD
DADE
DALLAS
DAVIESS
DEKALB
DENT
DOUGLAS
FRANKLIN
GASCONADE
GENTRY
GREENE
GRUNDY
HARRISON
HENRY
HICKORY
HOLT
HOWARD
HOWELL
IRON
JACKSON
JASPER
JEFFERSON
JOHNSON
KNOX
LACLEDE
LAFAYETTE
LAWRENCE
LEWIS
LINCOLN
LINN
LIVINGSTON
MACON
MADISON
MARIES
MARION
MCDONALD
MERCER
MILLER
MISSISSIPPI
MONITEAU
MONROE
MONTGOMERY
MORGAN
NEWTON
NODAWAY
OREGON
OSAGE
OZARK
PEMISCOT
PETTIS
PHELPS
PIKE
PLATTE
POLK
PULASKI
PUTNAM
RALLS
RANDOLPH
RAY
REYNOLDS
SALINE
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SCOTT
SHANNON
SHELBY
ST. CHARLES
ST. CLAIR
ST. FRANCOIS
ST. LOUIS
STE. GENEVIEVE
STONE
SULLIVAN
TANEY
TEXAS
VERNON
WARREN
WASHINGTON
WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 002 , 026

Distribution by Watersheds

St. Francis R. from Headwaters to Wappapello Dam
St. Francis R. from Wappapello Dam to Arkansas Border
Little R.
Area Bordered by Black R. and St. Francis R. South of Quintan, MO
Black R.
Current R.

Comments: "Likely to occur in listed units, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Mississippi River Alluvial Plains

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Mississippi Lowlands
Mississippi Lowlands: Crowley's Ridge
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Palustrine

Aquatic Associations:

"Palustrine", "Forested"

References for Aquatic Associations:

Habitat Types:

Waterhole
Wooded Riparian and Bottomland Hardwood
Swamp

References for Habitat Types: 013 , 021 , 006

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Forest
Bottomland Forest
Mesic Bottomland Forest
Wet-Mesic Bottomland Forest
Wetland
Swamps
Swamp
Pond Swamp

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 002 , 003

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits

Adult Food Habits

Annelids (segmented worms); Not Specified
Snails; Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 001

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements:

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for resting juvenile niche requirements:

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Water temperature: cold water: less than 21 c (70 f)
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Bottom type: organic debris
Underwater cover: organic debris
Water depth: shallow
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: borrow pit
Natural features: pools

References for feeding Adult niche requirements:

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

References for feeding adult niche requirements:

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

References for resting adult niche requirements:

Niche Requirement Summary

Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Bottom type: organic debris
Downed logs
Edge: edge specified in comments(00350)
Inland wetlands: borrow pit
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Natural features: pools
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Underwater cover: organic debris
Water depth: shallow
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Water temperature: cold water: less than 21 c (70 f)

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
007 Records of breeding range from nov. To March.*01,07,05* activity covered span of 7-15 days in a louisiana study.*07*. In LA, males arrive at breeding pond earlier than females. Females may not leave pond soon after egg deposition, but remain greater than1 month. In SC, paedomorphic adults laid eggs 6 weeks before terrestrial morphs did *17*.
008 Group courtship, internal fertilization.*01,07*
018 Clutch: 10-40 eggs in loose cluster.*01*
033 Almost all migratory movement takes place when air temperature is above freezing *10*. Females leave pond soon after laying eggs *05,07*. Cooling trend and rain stimulate migration *07*. Adults move to breeding ponds in fall. *02*
099 During unusually dry winters, adults may burrow into pond floor, prior to breeding, until better conditions *07*.
005 Forage in leaf litter *02*

Life History Information

Migration patterns specified in comments(033)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy: stalking
Foraging sites: ground
Foraging sites: logs
Foraging sites specified in comments(005)
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Mating system specified in comments(008)
Duration of pair bond: no pair bond formed
Spawning site: standing water
Nest materials: no nest structure
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Parental care of young: no care

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
007 Records of breeding range from nov. To March.*01,07,05* activity covered span of 7-15 days in a louisiana study.*07*. In LA, males arrive at breeding pond earlier than females. Females may not leave pond soon after egg deposition, but remain greater than1 month. In SC, paedomorphic adults laid eggs 6 weeks before terrestrial morphs did *17*.
008 Group courtship, internal fertilization.*01,07*
018 Clutch: 10-40 eggs in loose cluster.*01*
033 Almost all migratory movement takes place when air temperature is above freezing *10*. Females leave pond soon after laying eggs *05,07*. Cooling trend and rain stimulate migration *07*. Adults move to breeding ponds in fall. *02*
099 During unusually dry winters, adults may burrow into pond floor, prior to breeding, until better conditions *07*.
005 Forage in leaf litter *02*

References for life history: 010 , 017 , 022 , 001 , 002 , 005 , 007 , 009

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Regulate harvest of species being described
Water - develop/maintain spawning/nesting facilities
Water - develop/maintain lakes/ponds
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Forest - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Forest - maintain riparian habitats
Forest - maintain streamside vegetation

Beneficial Management References: 019 , 001 , 002 , 005

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - dredging and filling
Water - control water levels
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Forest - application of herbicides
Forest - application of pesticides
Forest - application of insecticides
Forest - even age timber management

Adverse Management References: 016 , 001 , 002 , 005

Comments on Management:
In LA study, the % of a breeding population coming from a clearcut area 156 m from the breeding pond decreased from 72.9% to 44% over a 2-year period, while the % coming from the uncut side increased from 23.6% to 38.3% . Survival on the clearcut side decreased from 28.4% to 11% (1st year) to 3.5% (2nd year). *16* constructing ephemeral pools is beneficial. Should attempt to reestablish ephemeral pools where they once existed. Possible sites can be identified using aerial photos, topographic maps, and on-site inspections. Pools should be no more than 24" deep, 10-15' across and 30-60' long, with sloping sides and some type of structure (small trees and bushes) placed in the pool. during construction, move soil perpendicular to and away from the presumed direction of water flow, so excess water will flow away. Surrounding trees should not be removed. *19*

References for Management Comments: 016 , 019

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Johnson, T.R. 2000. The Amphibians And Reptiles Of Missouri, 2nd. Ed. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 400 Pp.
002 Unpb Johnson, Tom R. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)751-4115.
003 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation & U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
004 Thom, R.H. & J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
005 Patterson, K.K. 1978. Life History Aspects Of Paedogenic Populations Of The Mole Salamander Ambystoma Talpoideum. Copeia 1978:649-655.
006 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
007 Shoop, C.R. 1960. The Breeding Habits Of The Mole Salamander, Ambystoma Talpoideum (Holbrook), In Southeastern Louisiana. Tulane Stud. Zool., 8:65-82.
008 Shoop, C.R. 1964. Ambystoma Talpoideum (Holbrook) Mole Salamander. Cat. Am. Amphib. Rept., 8.1-8.2.
009 Patterson, K.K. 1978. Life History Aspects Of Paedogenic Populations Of The Mole Salamander Ambystoma Talpoideum. Copeia 1978:649-655.
010 Hardy, L.M. & L.R. Raymond. 1980. The Breeding Migration Of The Mole Salamander, Ambystoma Talpoideum, In Louisiana. J. Herpetol. 14:327-335.
011 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
012 Missouri Herpetological Association. 1990. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. No. 3.
013 The Checklist Of Rare And Endangered Species Of Missouri. 1991. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 44 Pp.
015 Collins, J.T. (Ed.). 1990. Standard Common And Current Scientifc Names For North American Amphibians And Reptiles, 3rd Ed. Soc. For The Study Of Amphibians & Reptiles, Herp. Cir. No. 19. 41 Pp.
016 Raymond, L.R. & L.M. Hardy. 1991. Effects Of A Clearcut On A Population Of The Mole Salamander, Ambystoma Talpoideum, In An Adjacent Unaltered Forest. J. Herp. 25:509-512.
017 Scott, D.E. 1993. Timing Of Reproduction Of Paedomorphic And Metamorphic Ambystome Talpoideum. Amer. Midl. Nat. 129:402.
018 Daniel, R.E. & B.S. Edmond. 2002. Revised county distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles of Missouri. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 15:16-38.
019 Doolan, R. & T.R. Johnson. 1995. Ephemeral Pools: Their Value And Construction. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 6 Pp.
020 Powell, R., T.R. Johnson & D.D. Smith. 1996. New Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles In Missouri For 1996. Missouri Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 9:9-14.
021 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2003. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. xv + 29 Pp.
022 Krenz, J.D. & P.A. Verrell. 1997. Courtship Compatibility Between Terrestrial And Aquatic Forms Of The Mole Salamander Ambystoma Talpoideum. Mo Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 10:4-5.
023 Unpb Demaynadier, P.G. 1996. Patterns Of Movement And Habitat Use By Amphibians In Maine's Managed Forests. Ph.D. Diss., Univ. Maine. 222 Pp.
024 Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond & T.R. Johnson. 1998. New And Previously Unreported Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles In Missouri For 1998. Mo Herpetol. Assoc. Newsletter 11:8-17.
025 Crother, B.I. (Ed.). 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding (6th ed.). Society for the study of amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 37.
026 Daniel, Richard E., Brian S. Edmond and Jeffrey T. Briggler. 2020. New and previously unreported herpetological distribution records for Missouri in 2020. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 33:3-11.