Long Toed Salamander
Ambystoma macrodactylum
Total Length: 8.0 - 12.0 cm (record 17.5 cm)
Identification: slender, all black or dark brown salamander with an irregular yellow-orange stripe down center of back and tail; long, slender toes with fourth toe on hind foot longer then others.
Habitat: typically found under rocks and rotting logs along ponds and lakes in the mountain and foothill ecoregions of western Alberta; can be secretive
Cool Facts: the yellow stripe of this nocturnal, animal is 'warning coloration', indicating that it tastes bad; it may also serve to camouflage the animal
