Newts and European Salamanders: Salamandridae

Physical characteristics: Mandarin salamanders have a sturdy build. They reach a length of 7 inches (18 centimeters) from tip of snout to tip of tail. These salamanders have a large head with large ridges of skin glands. When mandarin salamanders are in the water-dwelling phase, the tail is long, is flat from side to side, and has a fin. Mandarin salamanders are black or dark brown and are covered with two rows of large brown, orange, or red bumps. These bright colors are a warning sign to predators. Mandarin salamanders release a bad-tasting substance from their skin. The skin has a grainy texture.

Geographic range: Mandarin salamanders live in China, India, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.

These salamanders live on land for most of their lives and travel to ponds and other water bodies in March or April when the monsoon rains begin. (Tom McHugh/Steinhart Aquarium/The National Audubon Society Collection/Photo Researchers, Inc.)

Habitat: Mandarin salamanders live in hills and mountains. The natural habitat is damp woodland and forest, but these salamanders also live in habitats made by people, such as rice fields and tea gardens.

Diet: Mandarin salamanders eat small invertebrates.

Behavior and reproduction: Scientists know little about how mandarin salamanders behave. These salamanders live on land for most of their lives and travel to ponds and other water bodies in March or April when the monsoon rains begin. Mating occurs in water. The male clasps the female before transferring his sperm bag. Fertilization takes place inside the female's body. The female lays thirty to sixty eggs in water. Some scientists believe the females guard their eggs. Mandarin salamanders can reproduce when they are three to five years old.

Mandarin salamanders and people: Mandarin salamanders are caught and sold as pets.

Conservation status: Mandarin salamanders are not considered threatened or endangered. ∎