Salamander

Salamanders are a group of amphibians in the order Caudata (also called Urodela) with long tails, slender bodies, and typically short limbs.

Salamanders are a group of amphibians in the order Caudata (also called Urodela) with long tails, slender bodies, and typically short limbs. They are found mainly in the Northern Hemisphere and usually live in moist habitats, though some species are fully aquatic or fully terrestrial as adults. Salamanders are notable for their ability to regenerate lost body parts, including tails and limbs.

Classification and diversity

Salamanders are amphibians in the order Caudata, also called Urodela. Published sources give different totals for living species, commonly around 600 to 740 species, reflecting ongoing taxonomic updates.

Physical characteristics

Most salamanders have elongated bodies, moist skin, short limbs, and long tails. Some species are small and terrestrial, while others are larger or more aquatic.

Habitat and distribution

Salamanders occur mainly in the Northern Hemisphere and are strongly associated with damp environments. They may live in streams, ponds, forests, under logs and rocks, or remain fully aquatic in some cases.

Life cycle and reproduction

Many salamanders lay shell-less eggs in water, and the young often hatch as aquatic larvae with gills before undergoing metamorphosis. Some species bypass a fully aquatic juvenile stage or retain larval traits into adulthood.

Behaviour and adaptations

Salamanders are carnivorous and feed on small animals such as insects, worms, snails, and small fish. A defining adaptation is their ability to regenerate damaged or lost body parts, especially tails and limbs.