Salamanders are small, slimy animals that many people find fascinating. They live quiet lives, mostly in damp places, and they don’t make much noise, but they certainly get attention. One salamander in particular, the axolotl, has become very popular. Because of how unusual it looks and how different it acts, many people believe something that … Read more
Salamanders are amazing little animals that many people find interesting. They belong to a group called amphibians, just like frogs and toads. But salamanders look quite different from frogs. They have long bodies, tails, and smooth, wet skin. You’ll find them in places that stay damp, like forests, ponds, and streams. No, not all salamanders have … Read more
On warm rainy nights in the spring, it is common to see salamanders and other frogs migrating to breeding sites, or hunting for food. However, when the daytime comes, salamanders become harder to find. Most salamander species are either nocturnal or crepuscular and are most active at night or in the low-light hours right before … Read more
Salamanders are carnivores that aren’t very picky with what they eat. Their generalist diet means salamanders can find food in the variety of habitats they live in However, despite their diverse diets, salamanders still sometimes find themselves in environments where food sources are scarce. So, how long can a salamander go without eating? Generally, healthy … Read more
Salamanders are generalist carnivores that feast on worms and a wide variety of bugs. These amphibians are not picky eaters and will eat almost any prey they can catch and fit into their mouths. Salamanders are ambush predators and are instinctively attracted to movement while hunting for food. For this reason, most salamanders do not … Read more
It’s common to encounter salamanders and other amphibians during the wet, warm season, but they seem to disappear during the winter. So how do these creatures survive the winter? Salamanders survive the winter by hibernating. Terrestrial salamanders hibernate in logs or underground burrows below the frost line. Many aquatic salamanders hibernate by burying themselves in … Read more
Many people know that most salamanders love to hang around in or near freshwater bodies, such as ponds, lakes, or streams. But have you ever wondered why salamanders need water? Salamanders need water to keep their skin moist, rehydrate, regulate their temperature, and reproduce. Salamanders are amphibians, which means they live part of their lives … Read more
Amphibians have unique skin compared to that of many other vertebrates. They use their skin to breathe, and also to ‘drink’ water. Many salamanders feel slimy because their skin is covered in a mucous coating, which helps them keep their skin moist, enabling them to efficiently breathe through their skin. The slime also creates an environment … Read more
Salamanders are intriguing creatures that attract the curiosity of many people. However, there are also many misconceptions about them. Like all amphibians, salamanders have bones. Their internal skeletons are made up of many interconnected bones and cartilage. Salamanders’ bones are light and hollow, which helps them move efficiently on the ground and in the water. … Read more
Salamanders are the only amphibians that have tails in the adult stage of their life. Their slender bodies and four short legs, give them a somewhat lizard-like appearance. But have you ever wondered why salamanders have long tails, when other amphibians, such as frogs, don’t? Salamanders’ long tails serve many important functions. Salamanders use their … Read more