Marbled Salamander  Ambystoma opacum Ambystomatidae (mole
salamanders) in the order Caudata (salamanders)  A small, stout
salamander with silvery or white saddle-shaped marks on its body
from head to tail. These crossbands vary in shape and also in
color, from silver-white to gray. The back is generally shiny
jet black while the belly is plain black. Adult males have white
or silver crossbands; adult females have dull gray crossbands.
There may be 11 or 12 riblike grooves on the side.  Length:
3½–4½ inches. Habitat and conservation:  This secretive
salamander spends most of its time under rocks, logs or forest
debris, preferring forested areas. It may also occur in open
sandy woods and on rocky dry hillsides. This and many other
amphibians require small, fishless, woodland ponds for
reproduction. Ponds and pools with a gentle sloping bank are
especially important for this species. Their breeding habitat
can be enhanced by a providing logs along the edge of the water
for egg-laying niches. Probably consists of