Page 49 - Amphibian

Skin folds (costal
grooves) – useful
when identifying
Longer body than in salamanders
frogs and toads
Cloacal gland,
at base of
male’s tail
WATERY NEWTS
Newts are semiaquatic
salamanders that return
to the water in the
breeding season. They are
found in North America,
Europe, western and eastern
Asia, and Japan. The males,
particularly those of European
species like this crested newt
(right), develop a courtship “dress” in
spring and make an elaborate display to
the female (pp. 34–35). The female lacks
the crest and silvery tail stripe of the male.
SHY
SALAMANDER
Generally, the term
“salamander” is used to
refer only to terrestrial, or land-
based, amphibians with tails, though
aquatic newts and sirens are also members
of this family. Land-dwelling salamanders are
shy creatures and live mostly in damp areas under
cover of fallen trees, logs, and rocks. They vary in size
from the tiny dwarf Mexican lungless salamander,
about 1 in (2.54 cm) long including the tail, up to this
North American tiger salamander which can grow as
long as 15.5 in (40 cm). However, aquatic newts
and salamanders, like the Japanese giant
salamander, can grow up to 5 ft (1.5 m) long.
Front legs
only present
One of four
toes on
front foot
SALAMANDER OR SIREN?
Sirens from North America (pp. 10–11) are
distinct from salamanders in that they have lungs
as well as gills and are permanent aquatic
One of five toes larvae – that is, they never develop
on hind foot beyond the larval stage, so they
never leave the water.
Lesser siren
Belly marking like a fingerprint
– every newt has a unique
set of spots
Male crested newt,
viewed from underneath
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