Do Salamanders Have Venom?

California Newt Taricha torosa on wet ground

Salamanders are small, often secretive amphibians that live in cool, damp places. You might spot one hiding under a rock or crawling through leaf litter after it rains. They usually seem harmless, but some people still wonder, do salamanders have venom? No, salamanders are not venomous. They do not inject toxins like snakes or spiders … Read more

Do Salamanders Have A Vertebrae Column?

Southern Two-lined Salamander Eurycea cirrigera on wet ground

Salamanders are soft-bodied creatures with long tails and four legs, often moving slowly through damp environments. You might wonder if these animals have a backbone like humans and other vertebrates. Salamanders do have a vertebral column, also called a backbone. They belong to the group of animals known as vertebrates, which means they have an … Read more

Do Salamanders Eat Vegetables?

Marbled Salamander Ambystoma opacum on a foor with brown leaves 3

Salamanders are quiet, careful animals that live in damp forests, streams, and wet soil. They hide under logs and leaves, coming out mostly at night to feed. They do not make much noise or show strong emotions, but they play an important role in the natural world. Many people who see a salamander for the … Read more

Do Salamanders Travel In Groups?

Northern Red Salamander Pseudotriton ruber on a wet rock 2

When you think of animals that move together in groups, your mind might go straight to flocks of birds in the sky or schools of fish darting through the water. Maybe you think of elephants moving in herds across the plains or wolves hunting in packs. But what about salamanders? The short answer is no. … Read more

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