Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: SALAMANDER, RINGED

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: AMPHIBIA

Order: CAUDATA

Family: AMBYSTOMATIDAE

Genus: AMBYSTOMA

Species: ANNULATUM

Taxonomic Authority: COPE

Taxonomy References: 020 , 001 , 010

Status

NONGAME
STATE RANK S3
GLOBAL RANK G4

Status References: 016 , 003 , 009

Habitat Summary

"Occur in forested areas under rocks and logs. Breed in woodland ponds."

Primary Habitat: "Forest- upland"

References: 001 , 006

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Occurs throughout most of forested Ozark plateau *01*."

County Occurance

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

References for distribution: 017 , 019 , 001 , 007 , 012 , 023 , 021 , 022

Distribution by Watersheds

Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
Cuivre R.
Dardenne Creek
Miss. R. from St. Louis to River Aux Vases
Meramec R.
Bourbeuse R.
Big R.
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
Pomme De Terre R.
Osage R. from Warsaw to Bagnell Dam
Niangua R.
Osage R. from Bagnell Dam to Mo. R.
Gasconade R. from Headwaters to Big Piney R.
Big Piney R.
Gasconade R. from Big Piney R. to Mo. R.
Mo. R. from Little Chariton R. to Gasconade R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.
White R. above Tablerock Dam
James R.
White R. below Tablerock Dam and Little North Fork White R.
North Fork White R.
Current R.
Warm Fork Spring R. and South Fork
Eleven Point R.
Spring R.
Indian Creek

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

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Glaciated Plains: Lincoln Hills
Big Rivers: Lower Missouri
Ozark Border
Ozark Border: Missouri River
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Upper Ozark
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Ozark: Lower Ozark

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Palustrine

Aquatic Associations:

"Palustrine"

References for Aquatic Associations: 001 , 006

Habitat Types:

Waterhole
Mature Oak-Hickory: (9" + dbh, dense understory)
Oak-Hickory Old Growth

References for Habitat Types: 001 , 002 , 004 , 006

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Forest
Upland forest
Dry-Mesic Forest
Mesic Forest
Upland Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Dry-Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Mesic Limestone/Dolomite Forest
Upland Chert Forest
Dry-Mesic Chert Forest
Upland Sandstone Forest
Dry-Mesic Sandstone Forest
Mesic Sandstone Forest
Upland Igneous Forest
Dry-Mesic Igneous Forest
Mesic Igneous Forest
Flatwoods

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 001 , 002

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Amphibians; Egg stage
Salientia (frogs, toads, peepers, tree frogs); Egg stage
Coleoptera (beetles); Larva stage
Trichoptera (caddisflies); Larva stage
Caudata (salamanders, newts, mudpuppies, sirens); Larva stage
Insects Insects; Larva stage
Annelids (segmented worms); Not Specified
Oligochaetes (earthworms); Not Specified
Snails; Not Specified
Crustaceans; Not Specified
Branchiopods (Daphnia, Cladocera); Not Specified
Ostracods (Eucypris); Not Specified
Copepods (Cyclops, Calanus); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified

Comments for larval food habits:
"In TN ate mostly zooplankton and insect larvae. Some larger ind"

References for larval food habits: 002 , 011

Juvenile Food Habits

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
"In TN ate mostly zooplankton and insect larvae. Some larger ind"

References Juvenile Food Habits

Adult Food Habits

Oligochaetes (earthworms); Not Specified
Snails; Not Specified
Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 001 , 002

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

Water depth: shallow
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir

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

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Water depth: shallow
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: fishless ponds
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Natural features: ravines

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 018 , 001 , 006

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

References for feeding adult niche requirements:

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

References for resting adult niche requirements: 001 , 006

Niche Requirement Summary

Downed logs specified in comments(00660)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Inland wetlands: fishless ponds
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Natural features: ravines
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Water depth: shallow

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
033 Fall migratation to breeding ponds is stimulated by heavy rains and cool temperatures. Migrate at night. If ground becomes too dry, and during daylight, seek cover under logs, rocks, etc. Weeks may pass until there is sufficient moisture to continue migration.*06* adults leave pond when egg-laying is completed.
099 Often burrows to escape dry conditions.*06*
007 Breeds September to November *01,06*
013 Spotila and beumer believe that adults migrate to specific breeding ponds, often moving past available sites until a particular pond is reached *06*.

Life History Information

Periodicity: active at night
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: logs
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Spawning site: standing water
Nest/den/spawning site tenacity specified in comments(013)
Parental care of young: no care

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
033 Fall migratation to breeding ponds is stimulated by heavy rains and cool temperatures. Migrate at night. If ground becomes too dry, and during daylight, seek cover under logs, rocks, etc. Weeks may pass until there is sufficient moisture to continue migration.*06* adults leave pond when egg-laying is completed.
099 Often burrows to escape dry conditions.*06*
007 Breeds September to November *01,06*
013 Spotila and beumer believe that adults migrate to specific breeding ponds, often moving past available sites until a particular pond is reached *06*.

References for life history: 001 , 002 , 006

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
Water - develop/maintain fishless ponds
Forest - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.
Forest - maintain wilderness environment
Forest - maintain old growth forests

Beneficial Management References: 014 , 001 , 002 , 006 , 013

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - dredging and filling
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Forest - application of herbicides
Forest - application of pesticides
Forest - application of insecticides

Adverse Management References: 002

Comments on Management:
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. *14* fishless ponds can be less than 30' across and 3-5'deep, should be at least 150' from other impoundments. A 300-acre area should have 3-4 fishless ponds. Ponds located at forest edge benefit woodland and grassland species *13.

References for Management Comments: 014 , 013

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. Conserv. Po Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo. 65102. 573-751-4115.
003 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
004 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
005 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
006 Spotila. J.R. and R.J. Beumer. 1970. The Breeding Habits Of The Ringed Salamander, Ambystoma Annulatum (Cope), In Northwestern Arkansas. Am. Midl. Nat. 84:77-89.
007 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
008 Missouri Herpetological Association. 1989. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. No. 2.
009 The Checklist Of Rare And Endangered Species Of Missouri. 1991. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 44 Pp.
010 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 and Reptiles, Herp. Cir. No. 19. 41 Pp.
011 Nyman, S. R.F. Wilkinson and J.E. Hutcherson. 1993. Cannibalism And Size Relations In A Cohort Of Larval Ringed Salamanders (Ambystoma Annulatum). J. Herp. 27:78-84.
012 Daniel, R.E. and B.S. Edmond. 2002. Revised county distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles of Missouri. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 15:16-38.
013 Johnson, T.R. 1994. Amphibian And Reptile Management On Conservation Department Impoundments. Mo Dept. Of Conservation, Natural History Division. Jefferson City, Mo 14 Pp.
014 Doolan, R. and T.R. Johnson. 1995. Ephemeral Pools: Their Value And Construction. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 6 Pp.
015 Doolan, R. and T.R. Johnson. 1995. Ephemeral Pools: Their Value And Construction. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 6 Pp.
016 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp.
017 Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and T.R. Johnson. 1998. New And Previously Unreported Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles In Missouri For 1998. Mo Herpetol. Assoc. Newsletter 11:8-17.
018 Mierzwa, K.S. 1998. Amphibian Habitat In The Midwestern United States. Pp. 16-23 In M.J. Lannoo, Ed. Status And Conservation Of Midwestern Amphibians. Univ. Iowa Press. Iowa City. 507 Pp.
019 Daniel, R.D. and B.S. Edmond. 2001. New And Previously Unreported Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles From Missouri For 2001. Mo Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 14:7-12.
020 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.
021 Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. 2009. New herpetological records from Missouri for 2009. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 22:7-9.
022 Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. 2013. New herpetological distribution records for Missouri in 2013. MO Herpetological Association Newsletter 26:11-15.
023 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.