Fire Salamander Salamandra salamandra

Distribution: Southern Europe, extending into Asia
Length: Up to 19 cm (7.5 inches), occasionally much bigger
Diet: Insects
Ideal Conditions: Cool surroundings, not exceeding 20C (68F)
Hibernation: Yes
Sex Differences: Males are thinner than females
Breeding: Up to 40 young may be produced
Other Info: The Fire Salamander is poisonous, it exudes a toxic secretion know now as salamandrin from pores behind the eyes. Do not handle it unless necessary and when handling it use gloves. It is more terrestrial than other salamanders. They mate on land and the eggs are held in the females body until they are ready to hatch. This happens during the winter and in the following spring they hatch into the water and about two months later they leave the water leading an independent life.
(c) Kyle Abrey