Do Newts Hibernate?

Do newts hibernate?

In the winter, we do not see many newts and salamanders. This is because they are ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals, meaning they can not regulate their internal body temperature. When the environmental temperatures rise or fall, so does their internal temperature. So where do newts go in the winter? All newts hibernate to protect themselves from … Read more

Do Salamanders Have Teeth?

Fire salamander with open mouth

Salamanders are intriguing creatures that attract the curiosity of many people. They also tend to be very secretive, so they are not frequently encountered most times of the year. Because of this, there are many misconceptions about these beautiful animals. Most salamander species have tiny teeth in both their upper and lower jaws. However, arboreal … Read more

Are Fire Salamanders Poisonous?

Fire salamander in a puddle

The Fire salamander is the largest, and possibly the best-known salamander species in Europe. These salamanders live throughout Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe with some subspecies being found as far as North Africa. They are characterized by their glossy black body with yellow patches or stripes. Fire salamanders have large parotid glands behind the eyes … Read more

Can Newts Breathe Underwater? [Fully Explained]

Newt underwater

Newts are semi-aquatic animals, which means they live both on land and in the water. They have different ways of breathing in each of these unique environments. On land, they breathe using their lungs, just like us. In the water, they breathe through a process known as cutaneous respiration (breathing through the skin). Newts can … Read more

Are Red-Backed Salamanders Poisonous to Humans or Pets?

Red-backed salamander on a yellow leaf

Red-back salamanders (also called redback salamanders) are common across the eastern and central United States. These salamanders are usually found in forest areas but often wander into people’s backyards. You may have seen one of these salamanders and wondered if they are poisonous.  Red-backed salamanders are very mildly poisonous. They have glands that secrete a … Read more

Do Salamanders Have Lungs?

Marbled salamander on a log.

If you ever look at a salamander, you will notice it looks so much different from other animals. But have you ever wondered what it has on the inside? Do salamanders have lungs as most other animals do? There are over 600 salamander species, that are all somewhat different from each other. Some salamanders such … Read more