1. Necturus maculosus COMMON MUDPUPPY

2. Range and Habitat o Found in most eastern states of the U.S. and parts of southern Canada. o Live in permanent water sources. o Can live at depths of 18”-34” but have been found in 88’ o Prefer the shelter of rocks, logs, and overhangs.

3. Characteristics Aquatic. Nocturnal. 4 limbs-locomotion. External Gills. Possess lungs (8%). Can reach up to 10” in size. Flat head and limbs. Paddle-like tail. May live for 20 years.

4. Reproduction Sexual Maturity at 6 years of age. Internal Fertilization. Average 60 eggs. Female build nests.

5. Diet Has two rows of teeth. Corner of the mouths interlock. (Suction feeding) Carnivorous-worms, small fish, small amphibians, insects, and mollusks. Predators-Crayfish, turtles, snakes, and humans.

6. Salamander Mussel Plays host to the Salamander Mussel larva. Only non-fish host. Not much information on relationship.

7. References http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/mudpuppy/ Johnson, Tom R. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri. 2nd ed. Jefferson City: Missouri Department of Conservation, 2006. 92-94. Print. Lembcke, Peter. Necturus maculosus. Caudata Culture. 2005. http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Necturus/N_maculosus.shtml Michigan Natural Features Inventory-Salamander Mussel., MI: Michigan Department of Natural, 2002. 1-2. Michigan State University. Web. 14 Oct. 2010.. U.S. Geological Survey. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center-National Amphibian Atlas. 2005. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov:8080/mapserver/naa/