There are over 4,000 identified snake species worldwide, found in a wide variety of habitats, from rain forests to mountainous areas to dry regions. Different snake species have adapted to their environments and specialize in moving over the terrain most common in their habitats. Generally, all snakes can instinctively swim from the moment of their … 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
Croaking is one of the most common noises made by frogs. On warm, rainy nights, it’s common to hear the croaking choruses of hundreds of frogs coming from ponds or other freshwater bodies nearby. But have you ever wondered why frogs seem to start and stop croaking at the same time? Frogs start and stop … Read more
If you ever tried to pick a frog up, there is a very good chance it may pee on you. But have you ever wondered why frogs have this behavior? Frogs may pee on you when you pick them up as a defense mechanism to avoid being eaten. It is a sign the frog feels … 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
Frogs are well known for their hops, and their ability to swim with great efficiency. But have you ever wondered just how fast frogs can move through their environments? In general, frogs can move at speeds of about 10 mph on land when hopping at full momentum. However, how fast frogs can move depends on … Read more