Salamandra salamandra, commonly known as the common salamander or fire salamander, is a species of amphibian that belongs to the Salamandridae family. It is native to Europe and is found in a variety of humid habitats, such as forests, grasslands and mountainous areas and can reach an average of 25 cm in length.
This species has a distinctive appearance, with a long, slender body, short limbs, and a thick tail. Their coloration varies from bright shades of red, orange and yellow to darker shades of black or brown. These vibrant colors act as a visual warning to predators, as the fire salamander produces skin toxins that can be poisonous if ingested or come into contact with mucous membranes.
One of the most notable characteristics of the salamander salamander is its ability to regenerate parts of its body, including limbs, tail, and, in some cases, parts of the brain and heart. This regenerative ability gives them a significant advantage in terms of survival and recovery after injury.
The fire salamander is a carnivorous amphibian and feeds mainly on insects, worms and other invertebrates found in its aquatic environment. They spend most of their time near water, as they need to keep their skin moist so they can breathe through it.
During mating season, which usually occurs in spring, fire salamanders congregate in bodies of fresh water to reproduce. Males exhibit elaborate courtship behaviors, including dance movements and vocalizations to attract females. After reproduction, the females deposit their eggs in the water, where they hatch and the young emerge as aquatic larvae.
Despite its name and striking appearance, the fire salamander is not associated with fire in any way. The name "salamander" is derived from the ancient Greek term "salamandrē", meaning "fiery beast", but this association comes from ancient mythological beliefs and has no basis in the actual biology of the species.
Approximate measurements of the Salamander:
This species has a distinctive appearance, with a long, slender body, short limbs, and a thick tail. Their coloration varies from bright shades of red, orange and yellow to darker shades of black or brown. These vibrant colors act as a visual warning to predators, as the fire salamander produces skin toxins that can be poisonous if ingested or come into contact with mucous membranes.
One of the most notable characteristics of the salamander salamander is its ability to regenerate parts of its body, including limbs, tail, and, in some cases, parts of the brain and heart. This regenerative ability gives them a significant advantage in terms of survival and recovery after injury.
The fire salamander is a carnivorous amphibian and feeds mainly on insects, worms and other invertebrates found in its aquatic environment. They spend most of their time near water, as they need to keep their skin moist so they can breathe through it.
During mating season, which usually occurs in spring, fire salamanders congregate in bodies of fresh water to reproduce. Males exhibit elaborate courtship behaviors, including dance movements and vocalizations to attract females. After reproduction, the females deposit their eggs in the water, where they hatch and the young emerge as aquatic larvae.
Despite its name and striking appearance, the fire salamander is not associated with fire in any way. The name "salamander" is derived from the ancient Greek term "salamandrē", meaning "fiery beast", but this association comes from ancient mythological beliefs and has no basis in the actual biology of the species.
Approximate measurements of the Salamander:
- 1:4 Scale - Complete
- Length 40mm
- Height 19mm
- Snout-tail length 63 mm
- 1:2 Scale - Complete
- Length 79mm
- Height 39mm
- Snout-tail length 125 mm
