Editing Mole salamander
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[[Terrestrial animal|Terrestrial]] mole salamanders are identified by having wide, protruding eyes, prominent [[costal groove]]s, and thick arms. Most have vivid patterning on dark backgrounds, with marks ranging from deep blue spots to large yellow bars depending on the species. Terrestrial adults spend most of their lives underground in [[burrow]]s, either of their own making or abandoned by other animals. Some northern species may [[hibernation|hibernate]] in these [[burrow]]s throughout the winter. They live alone and feed on any available [[invertebrate]]. Adults spend little time in the water, only returning to the ponds of their birth to breed. |
[[Terrestrial animal|Terrestrial]] mole salamanders are identified by having wide, protruding eyes, prominent [[costal groove]]s, and thick arms. Most have vivid patterning on dark backgrounds, with marks ranging from deep blue spots to large yellow bars depending on the species. Terrestrial adults spend most of their lives underground in [[burrow]]s, either of their own making or abandoned by other animals. Some northern species may [[hibernation|hibernate]] in these [[burrow]]s throughout the winter. They live alone and feed on any available [[invertebrate]]. Adults spend little time in the water, only returning to the ponds of their birth to breed. |
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All mole salamanders are [[oviparous]] and lay large eggs in clumps in the water. Their fully aquatic [[larva]]e are branchiate, with three pairs of external [[gills]] behind their heads and above their [[gill slit]]s. Larvae have large [[Caudal (anatomical term)|caudal]] [[fin]]s, which extend from the back of their heads to their tails and to their [[cloaca]]e. Larvae grow limbs soon after hatching, with four toes on the fore arms, and five toes on the hind legs. Their eyes are wide-set and lack true eyelids. |
All mole salamanders are [[oviparous]] and lay large eggs in clumps in in the water in clumps n the water in clumps in the water. Their fully aquatic [[larva]]e are branchiate, with three pairs of external [[gills]] behind their heads and above their [[gill slit]]s. Larvae have large [[Caudal (anatomical term)|caudal]] [[fin]]s, which extend from the back of their heads to their tails and to their [[cloaca]]e. Larvae grow limbs soon after hatching, with four toes on the fore arms, and five toes on the hind legs. Their eyes are wide-set and lack true eyelids. |
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The larvae of some species (especially those in the south, and tiger salamanders) can reach their adult size before undergoing [[Metamorphosis (biology)|metamorphosis]]. During metamorphosis, the gills of the larvae disappear, as do the fins. Their tails, skin, and limbs become thicker, and the eyes develop lids. Their lungs become fully developed, allowing for a fully terrestrial existence. |
The larvae of some species (especially those in the south, and tiger salamanders) can reach their adult size before undergoing [[Metamorphosis (biology)|metamorphosis]]. During metamorphosis, the gills of the larvae disappear, as do the fins. Their tails, skin, and limbs become thicker, and the eyes develop lids. Their lungs become fully developed, allowing for a fully terrestrial existence. |