Wild Animals A-Z

Amphibians
Amphibians » Wild Animals A-Z »

Salamander

Brightly Colored: : Salamanders come in a variety of colors and patterns, with bright colors usually a warning to predators that this menu item contains a lethal poison.

A Disposable Tail: They have slender bodies, usually four legs of similar size, a small head, small eyes and a tail. In some species the tail detaches when attacked. The tail will continue to twitch, distracting the predator as the rest of the salamander makes its escape.

Land and Water: Some species of salamander make their home in water, while others are mainly terrestrial. Those that make their home in water take in oxygen through large external gills.

Explore More

MORE WATER LOVERS

Frog
Get up close. You don't even have to get your hands slimey.

Toad
Take one frog, add warts, and voila, an animal only a princess would kiss.

Platypus
Dear platypus: Bird? Mammal? Reptile? Pick one! Love, us.

MORE SALAMANDER

INTERACTIVE: Anatomy of a Red Salamander

SPECIES: Chinese Giant Salamander

SPECIES: California Tiger Salamander

DID YOU KNOW?

The "Fire Lizard": The name "salamander" is derived from Greek for "fire lizard," as they were once believed to be able to walk through fire.

Super-Sized Salamander: The Chinese giant salamander is the largest living amphibian. It can reach 6 feet in length and weigh up to 66 pounds.

An Unusual Hunter: When hunting, the salamander shoots its sticky tongue out of its mouth at prey along with the bone that its anchored to: the hyoid bone.