Description:
Salamander is a common name of approximately 500 species of amphibians. Mature salamanders generally have a body form similar to that of lizards, with slednder bodis, long tails, and four limbs. However, like some lizards, many species of salamander have reduced or absent limbs. Most species that have limbs have four toes on the fore limbs, and five on the hind limbs, and lack claws. Salamanders are often brightly colored, either in both sexes throughout the year, or only in the males, especially during the breeding season. The species dwelling entirely underground are often white or pink, lacking any skin pigment.
The skin of salamanders secretes mucus, which helps keep the animal moist when on dry land, and maintains their salt balance while in water, as well as providing a lubricant during swimming. Salamanders also secrete poison from galnds in their skin, and some aditionally have skin glands for secreting courtship pheromones.
Numerous legends have developed around the salamander over the centuries, many related to fire. This connection likely originates from the tendency of many salamanders to dwell inside rotting logs. When placed into a fire, the salamander would attempt to escape from the lending to the belief that salamanders were created from flames - a belief that gave the creature its name.
Uses:
Salamanders will use tail autotomy to escape predators. Their tail will drop off and wriggle around for a little while, and the salamanders will either run away or stay still enough to not be noticed while the predator is distracted. Salamanders routinely regenerate complex tissues. Within only a few weeks of losing a piece of limb, a salamander perfectly reforms the missing structure.
