Salamander Facts for Kids

Salamanders are amphibians in the scientific order caudata. Worldwide, 358 different known species exist that range greatly in size and appearance. Salamanders differ from other amphibians such as frogs in a few physical ways. These include having tails throughout their entire lives and limbs that stick out at right angles to their bodies.

  1. Physical Facts

    • The various species of salamanders can range from less than an inch in length to the almost 6-foot-long Japanese giant salamander. Most species range between 2 and 6 inches in length. The animals can be dull or brightly colored and tend to have long, slender bodies with four short legs. Some primitive salamander types such as the sirens only have front limbs. Webbed feet are common in most salamanders, an adaptation that helps with swimming. Mole salamanders are the exception with front feet designed for digging in loose dirt to make a burrow to hide in.

    Distribution and Habitats

    • Salamanders live on all continents except Antarctica, with the largest variety of species being present in North America. Some species will live their entire life in the water, while others will be born in water and move to land when mature. A few species will live an entirely terrestrial life, hardly ever spending time in the water. The terrestrial species tend to live in shady, wet forests with heavy leaf litter to hide in and keep moist. Drying out and high temperatures can be deadly to salamanders.

    Diet and Predators

    • All salamanders are carnivores and tend to eat soft-fleshed prey such as worms, slugs and snails. The larger species are able to eat larger prey including some species of fish, shellfish and smaller mammals. Salamanders are not ferocious hunters and will tend to wait for prey to wander by so they can pounce. Most animals do not find salamanders tasty because many species produce nasty tasting slime on their skins. Some species of fish, wading birds and water snakes will eat salamanders or their eggs.

    Life Cycle

    • Most salamanders lay eggs either in water or, in some species, on land. The water-breeding species lay the most eggs, with some species laying more than 400 eggs at a time. Most salamanders lay their eggs and leave them to hatch, but a few species, such as the spiny salamander, will protect the eggs by wrapping their bodies around them. Salamanders can be born as small versions of adults or as tadpole-shaped young known as efts. A slow, cautious life means salamanders can live long, with some species living to more than 50 years in the wild, on average.