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Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum
Obviously a salamandor, but not sure what type. Coloring doesn't match up to the Michigan DNR website. Based on pictures on their website appears to be most similar to the Blue Spotted, Eastern Tiger or small-mouthed salamanders.
It's probably a hybrid of the blue salamanders as it does not mach any of the other species listed on the site. See notation regarding hybrids "Note: Across much of Lower Michigan, populations of Blue spotted Salamanders often include many hybrid individuals that may appear stouter and grayer, with fewer or no blue spots on the sides. Most hybrids are triploid females. (Normal salamanders are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes in their body cells; triploid salamanders have an extra set). Hybrid populations result from the breeding of Blue-spotted Salamanders with other members of the Ambystoma genus."
Tiger salamanders are fairly variable in color/pattern, so they can be tricky sometimes. I feel fairly confident about this ID suggestion, but it's definitely worth looking into further to be sure.
Spotted on Sep 19, 2011
Submitted on Apr 27, 2012
+2
