Newts and Salamanders 



607 



is abundant throughout Central and Southern 

 Europe. Its conspicuous livery in which bold 

 markings of black and brilliant yellow are some- 

 what equally balanced, no two individuals, how- 

 ever, precisely corresponding distinguishes it 

 broadly from all other members of the group. 

 The surface of the skin is very smooth and 

 shining, and thickly set on the surface with 

 glands and pores, from which a viscid and un- 

 doubtedly poisonous secretion is exuded. In 

 common with that of other salamanders, the tail 

 is cylindrical, instead of compressed and oar- 

 shaped, as in the Newts, and there is no crest 

 down the back. The SPOTTED SALAMANDER 

 frequents moist situations in mountain and forest 

 districts. It is essentially nocturnal in its habits, 

 lying up during the day in some suitable rock 

 or mossy crevice, exposure of its sensitive skin 

 to the direct rays of the sun speedily having 

 a fatal effect. Large numbers of this salamander 

 are sold as suitable and curious additions to the fernery and vivarium, and will survive for 

 long periods, appropriate food and the necessary conditions of moisture being provided. Snails, 

 worms, and beetles and other insects constituting its natural food, it fulfils as useful a role 

 as the toad in the extermination of insect-pests, and may be as strongly recommended for 

 introduction to the greenhouse. 



Salamanders repair to the water to breed, after the manner of newts, but the young 

 are usually brought forth alive, though occasionally eggs are deposited, from which the 

 young tadpoles almost immediately emerge. The number usually produced at a birth ranges 

 from sixteen to thirty, but instances are recorded where there have been as many as fifty. 



Pkolo ly W. Samlle-Kent, F.Z.S.] [Miljord-on-Sea. 



SPOTTED SALAMANDERS. 



Natives of Central Europe. 



Photo by W. Saville-Kent, F.Z.S.] 



SPOTTED SALAMANDER. 



The skin of the salamander exudes a poisonous secretion, and its bright colours advertise its non-edible properties to carnivorous birds and mammals. 



