Illinois State Amphibian

Eastern Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum Adopted: July 19, 2005

Illinois State Amphibian: Eastern Tiger Salamander

The eastern tiger salamander was made the official state amphibian of the State of Georgia when Governor Rod Blagojevich signed House Bill No. 847 on July 19, 2005.

By act # 094-0257 of the Illinois General Assembly, House Bill No. 847 amends the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 5, by adding Section 85.

Illinois Law

The following information was excerpted from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 5.

CHAPTER 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
SECTION 85.
(5 ILCS 460/) State Designations Act.

(5 ILCS 460/85)

Sec. 85. State amphibian. The amphibian Ambystoma tigrinum, commonly known as the "Eastern Tiger Salamander", is designated the official State amphibian of the State of Illinois.
(Source: P.A. 94-257, eff. 1/1/06.)

Sources...

"Illinois Compiled Statutes." Missouri General Assembly. 2005. 25 July 2009 .

Additional Information

Press Release: January 1, 2005: Lt. Gov. Quinn Announces the People's Choice for Official Illinois Amphibian and Illinois Reptile.

State Symbol: State Amphibian- Eastern Tiger Salamander: Illinois symbols and their history. Illinois State Museum.

Ambystoma tigrinum: Illinois Natural History Survey: Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum: Chicago Area Amphibians by Ken Mierzwa.

Eastern Tiger Salamander: Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management: Indiana-Purdue University.

Ambystoma tigrinum (tiger salamander): University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web.

State amphibians: Complete list of official state amphibians from NETSTATE.COM.

Illinois symbols: Complete list of official Illinois state symbols from NETSTATE.COM.

Newts and Salamanders
by Frank Indiviglio

Salamanders of the United States and Canada: by James W. Petranka. 587 pages. Smithsonian; 1 edition (July 17, 1998) This survey of North American salamanders is the first since the 1940s and presents the most up-to-date research on every species. Beginning with two keys to help the reader identify an animal in the hand, whether it is an adult or a larva ("tadpole"), the book then discusses each species individually.

Newts and Salamanders: Everything About Selection, Care, Nutrition, Diseases, Breeding, and Behavior by Frank Indiviglio. 96 pages. Barron's Educational Series (June 1, 1997) Terrarium enthusiasts will find up-to-date information and full-color photos describing the major native and exotic species of newts and salamanders. The author gives advice on feeding and keeping them in a healthful environment. Topics include creating the various types of habitats, nutrition, reproduction, the treatment of diseases, and sources of food and supplies.

What is an Amphibian? (The Science of Living Things) , by Bobbie Kalman and Jacqueline Langille, 32 pages, Crabtree Publishing Company (2000). Reading level: Ages 9-12. The large, full-color photographs and illustrations that pepper every page of these books will catch the eye of browsers but it is the informative, easy-to-read texts that will hold their interest.

Peterson First Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians , by Robert C. Stebbins, Joseph T. Collins and Roger Conant. Edited by Roger Tory Peterson. 128 pages, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (April 15, 1999). From mudpuppies to rattlesnakes, this fascinating guide for young nature lovers describes the habits and habitats of these secretive and sometimes bizarre animals, and includes tips on how to catch and care for frogs, snakes, turtles, lizards, salamanders, and toads.

A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Eastern & Central North America, by Roger Conant and Joseph T. Collins, 640 pages, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Fourth Edition edition (May 15, 1998). This newly designed field guides features detailed descriptions of 595 species and subspecies. The 656 full-color illustrations and 384 drawings show key details for accurate identification. More than 100 color photographs and 333 color photographs and 333 color distribution maps accompany the species descriptions.

Firefly Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians, edited by Tim Halliday and Kraig Adler, 240 pages, Firefly Books (September 7, 2002). With lush color photographs and lavishly detailed illustrations, this encyclopedia presents a striking abundance of information at a glance. Also noteworthy is the scholarly text, a comprehensive overview of these frequently studied phyla.

Reptiles & Amphibians for Dummies, by Patricia Bartlett, 360 pages, For Dummies; 1st edition (June 1, 2003) This essential guide tells you what you must know before you own a reptile or amphibian, with authoritative advice on everything from proper caging and feeding to health care, socializing, transporting, and more. You'll find out about the different species, normal and abnormal behavior, the basics of breeding, and complying with laws.