Salamanders

Salamanders are a group of amphibians often characterized by their lizard-like shape, with typical body plans common to most other caudatans. They are the most common and most diverse group of caudatans, as well as the only extant one, and are grouped in the order Urodela. Extant salamanders are mostly found in the Northern Hemisphere, with some species extending their geographical distribution to South America. Four-legged salamanders usually have four fingers in the front legs and five fingers on the back legs, but some have less fingers or lack the hind legs all together. Their permeable skin makes them dependant on water or moist environments. Salamanders can be completely aquatic, completely terrestrial or semi-aquatic. They are able to regenerate lost limbs or other parts of the body. Salamanders lay eggs on water and their larvae are aquatic. Some salamanders, under environmental pressure, can become sexually mature before they leave the larval stage.