NEWTS AND SALAMANDERS 209 
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 S.vlamander 
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 r6le 
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. 
Photo by XV* SaviUe-Ktnt^ r.Z.S.\ \^Milford‘on~Sea 
SPOTTED SALAMANDERS 
Nati'ves of Central Europe 
Photo by If'. Seville- Kent, F.^.S.] [i\] ilford-on-Sea 
SPOTTED SALAMANDER 
The skin of the salamander exudes a poisonous secretion, and its bright colours advertise its non-edible properties to carniujorous birds and 7r.a7i:o:.ah 
