Abstract:
"Ambystoma texanum", "A. laterale", and "Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis" were studied in Iowa from the fall 1982 through summer
1984. They were found not to differ morphologically from other members of their taxa elsewhere. Significant ontongenetic and slight
clinal variation were observed among "A. texanum". A11 three species have declined in abundance in Iowa. "A. texanum" was found throughout
southern Iowa. "N. v. louisianensis was confined to eastern Iowa and "A. Laterale" to the northeastern portion of the state. All three
species were dependent upon mature hardwood forest and temporary or permanent ponds. "A. texanum" was found primarily in lowland forest.
The other two species inhabited both lowland and upland forest. Larval "A. tigrinum" may be a significant predator of "A. texanum" Larvae in Iowa.
