Blotched Tiger Salamander  "Marshmallow"
Scientific name: Ambystoma tigrinium melanostictum
Habitat: Forests throughout much of North America
Time at Explorit: 4-5 years

Tiger salamanders spend the first four or five months of their lives living underwater. After emerging from the water they are rarely seen as they spend most of their time hiding in burrows underground. This is also true of Explorit's salamander who can often be found hiding in the cool dark space created by its small log. It's important for salamanders to stay cool and moist as they breathe, partially, through their thin skin. Tiger salamander's main defense are toxins they can secrete from glands on their back and tail. They do this only as a last resort as they are being eaten. The toxin causes a burning sensation in the mouth of the predator and will cause an animal to vomit if it swallows one of these animals.