Snakes and Frogs and Their Relatives [229 



At other times you may find them under stones or rotting logs, 

 in wet crevices along a brook, and even in the water. All sala- 

 manders must stay in places where their skin will not become 

 too dry though some prefer more water than others do. 



Frequently when a child discovers a salamander he calls it a 

 lizard; and it does strongly suggest the small reptile. However, 

 there are several distinguishing features. The salamander's skin 

 may be moist, slimy, or even dry and rough; but it is never covered 

 with scales, as is the skin of a lizard. No salamander has claws, 

 whereas you will find these on the toes of a lizard. 



THE RED EFT 



There is quite a bit of variety in the appearance of sala- 

 manders and in the pattern of their lives. The red-backed species 



THE ELUSIVE TIGER SALAMANDER 



This salamander gets its name from its colors (yellow splotches cover its brown body), 

 and reaches a length of ten inches. Like most of its kind, it is an elusive creature, 

 burrowing by day, and coming out at night to forage for food. All salamanders 

 have smooth skins, in contrast to the scaly bodies of lizards. 



