A Closer Look at the Salamander Life Cycle
The detailed salamander life cycle differs from species to species; however the basics are pretty similar with all in the salamander group. Many believe that salamanders are a relation to lizards, however this is not true. Salamanders fall under the category of amphibian, which is a separate the reptile category. We are going to look into the salamander species a little more closely and track the salamander life cycle from gestation to death.
Let’s kick this off by first discussing what distinguishes the salamander from lizards and frogs, of which they are often confused with. The salamander has a long tail, which is quite similar to the tail of a lizard as salamanders, too, can re-grow their tail. Aside from the tail, the body of a salamander is much like that of a frog. Many sport small frog-like eyes, a rounded but narrow head, and fleshy toes that are sometimes webbed on some species. Some species only have two legs, but most salamanders have four. Unlike frogs, the two hind legs of the salamander are usually slower to develop, whereas a frog’s legs grow the other way around.
Lizards can live almost completely without water, yet a salamander spends almost its whole life in the water or in other moist areas. The skin of a lizard is dry and scaly—like a snake—and their toes usually have claws to help them climb to high-up places. A salamander’s skin is quite moist and slick and their toes are stubby and clawless (save for two species of salamander). The salamander doesn’t require claws for climbing because they are largely aquatic.
As for the salamander life cycle, it all begins with the mating season, which occurs in the spring. Sometimes the male will try an impressive little dance to attract a female, though he can track one simply by scent. The male salamander will lay his sperm in the water and the female will collect it to fertilize the eggs that are in her body. She will lay the eggs in the water, usually attached to a plant or something else that will serve as a sort of protection until the eggs hatch. The eggs are not hard, but rather they are soft and sticky-looking. Once the eggs are safely stashed away, the male and female leave the area and part ways. After about a month the eggs will hatch.
A newborn salamander is born fully equipped with gills and a strong tail-fin to propel him through the water to find sources of food. After a few weeks the salamander’s legs will start to grow in, giving him the ability to walk around the sticks and rocks in the water. It isn’t until the salamander reaches about two months of age when he will start taking on the shape he will hold for the rest of his life. The tail-fin goes away and he will grow a tail similar to that of a lizard. He will also develop lungs which will enable him to leave the water. His coloring may change but he will not become fully grown for another couple of years.
Salamanders truly are quite interesting little creatures. The standard lifespan for a salamander is about twenty years and they can regenerate body parts! All of their limbs, tail, eyes, and parts of the heart can be completely re-grown. Is that not a handy skill to have, or what? The salamander’s skin also secrets toxins that aid in keeping predators away. This fascinating category of amphibian can also make a good pet, providing you have the right equipment to house it.