do mexican salamanders belong to ambystoma species

No, Mexican salamanders, commonly known as axolotls, do not belong to the Ambystoma species. They belong to a different genus and family within the amphibian order:

1. Axolotl's Genus: Axolotls are part of the genus Ambystoma, but they specifically belong to the species Ambystoma mexicanum.

2. Family: They are members of the family Ambystomatidae.

3. Difference: While there are other salamander species in the genus Ambystoma (such as the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum), the axolotl is distinct from them. Each has its own unique characteristics, geographic range, and biology.

4. Ambystoma Species: The Ambystoma genus includes various salamander species found primarily in North America, but axolotls are endemic to a small area around Mexico City, Mexico.

5. Notable Features: Axolotls are known for their neoteny, meaning they retain many of their larval features into adulthood, such as external gills, which is one reason why they are often referred to as "Mexican salamanders" despite being distinct from other Ambystoma salamanders.

So while axolotls share a genus name with other salamanders like the tiger salamander, they are not the same species and have their own unique characteristics that set them apart.