Do Salamanders Sunbathe?

Unisexual Mole Salamander Ambystoma unisexual covered in dirt

You might have seen lizards lying out in the sun, stretched across a warm rock, soaking in the heat. This is a common behavior for reptiles, especially those that rely on sunlight to help control their body temperature. But do salamanders sunbathe too? Salamanders do not sunbathe. In fact, most salamanders avoid sunlight as much … Read more

Do Salamanders Start As Tadpoles?

Southern Long-toed Salamander larva 1

When you think about animals that start life as tadpoles, frogs and toads probably come to mind first. Tadpoles are well-known as the wiggly little water creatures that grow into frogs. But what about salamanders? Do salamanders also start life as tadpoles? Many salamanders begin their lives as larvae that look a lot like tadpoles. … Read more

Do Salamanders Stink?

Blue-spotted Salamander Ambystoma laterale on pavement

Salamanders are small, secretive animals that often live in damp forests, wet leaves, or near slow-moving streams. If you ever lift a rock or log and find one underneath, you might notice a faint smell in the air. It may not be strong, but it raises a common question: do salamanders stink? Yes, some salamanders … Read more

Do Salamanders Shed Their Skin?

Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum on a dry log

Salamanders have soft, moist skin that almost looks like it’s always shining. If you watch closely, you might see it wrinkle, stretch, or look a little cloudy. That’s because, like many reptiles and amphibians, salamanders shed their skin. But they don’t shed quite the way you might expect, and they often do something unusual afterward. … Read more

Do Salamanders Represent Fire?

Fire Salamander in water (2)

Salamanders are small, quiet animals that live in damp places. You’ll find them under logs, near streams, or hiding in wet leaves after a rain. They avoid heat. They need moisture to survive. And yet, for centuries, people have said they’re creatures of fire. But is any of it true? The short answer is no. … Read more

Do Salamanders Recognize Their Owners?

Do Salamanders Recognize Their Owners

Salamanders are quiet, secretive creatures. They don’t bark or purr. They don’t wag their tails when you come near. But if you’ve kept one as a pet, you may have found yourself wondering, do salamanders recognize their owners? No, not in the way cats or dogs do. Salamanders don’t know your face, and they don’t … Read more

Do Salamanders Regenerate?

Do Salamanders Regenerate?

Salamanders are quiet, secretive animals that often go unnoticed in forests, under logs, or near streams. If you’ve ever heard that a salamander can grow back a leg or tail, you might wonder if that’s really true. Salamanders do regenerate. They don’t just heal over a wound like most animals. They can rebuild the missing … Read more

Do Salamanders Regrow Limbs?

Do Salamanders Regrow Limbs?

Salamanders are known for something that sounds almost impossible. If they lose a leg or a tail, they can grow it back. This is more than just healing, it’s full regeneration. Not many animals can do that. But for salamanders, it’s a normal part of life. Salamanders can regrow limbs, tails, toes, and even parts … Read more

Do Salamanders Turn Into Anything?

Jefferson Salamander Ambystoma jeffersonianum swimming in a shallow pool 2

Salamanders are quiet, secretive creatures that seem to appear out of nowhere, especially after rain. But when people see young salamanders that look a bit like tadpoles, they often ask: do salamanders turn into anything? Salamanders do change form as they grow. They go through a process called metamorphosis, which means their bodies change shape … Read more

Do Salamanders Eat Rolly Pollies?

Spotted Salamander Ambystoma maculatum on a dry log 1

If you’ve ever lifted a damp log or poked around in soft leaf litter, you’ve probably seen tiny gray creatures curl into a ball. But if you’re keeping a salamander or observing one in the wild, you might wonder, do salamanders eat rolly pollies? Some salamanders will eat rolly pollies if they’re small enough to … Read more