Alpine Salamander
Salamandra atra
- Least concern
- Card rarity: Common
- Amphibians
The alpine salamander is a black salamander that can be found in the Alps, and through the mountainous range in Europe. It is a member of the genus Salamandra. The species name, atra, is derived from the Latin ater, meaning dull black. The colour of salamanders has evolved over time, as some species are completely monochrome black, and others have yellow spotting and marks. Their life expectancy is at least 10 years. There are four subspecies of the alpine salamander, with varied distribution and physical colour. Unlike other salamanders, whose larvae develop in water, the alpine salamander and its subspecies are fully terrestrial species in life and gestation. They give birth to live young.
Classification
- Class
- Amphibia
- Order
- Caudata
- Family
- Salamandridae
- Genus
- Salamandra