Scientific Name: Ambystoma californiense
Status: E, T
It is a large, stocky, terrestrial salamander with a broad, rounded snout. Adults males are about 8 inches long, females a little less than 7. Coloration consists of white or pale yellow spots or bars on a black background on the back and sides. The belly varies from almost uniform white or pale yellow to a variegated pattern of white or pale yellow and black. The salamander's small eyes protrude from their heads. They have black irises.
Prime habitat in California is grassland and open woodlands of foothills and valleys. Adults rely on rodent burrows (of ground squirrels and gophers) for underground retreats.
