Order CaudataBy Sam Wiernusz

Order Caudata

• The order Caudata contains the amphibian known as salamanders and newts.

Salamanders

• Have tails.• Have forelimbs and

hindlimbs of almost equal size except for the family Sirenidae, which doesn't have hindlimbs.

• Are amphibians.

• Are usually about 3-8 inches long, with exceptions.

Salamanders

• Breathe with lungs, external gills, both, or through their skin.

• Secrete mucus on their skin to keep them moist on dry land, and regulate salt content in water.

• Have small teeth, even as juveniles.• Use autotomy to escape predators; they will

lose their tails to escape predators and regenerate a new one in a couple weeks.

Salamanders

• Regularly shed their outer layer of skin as they grow, and then eat it.

• Are no more closely related to lizards as they are mammals. Their closest relatives are frogs and toads.

Chinese Giant Salamander

• Is the largest salamander in the world, growing up to 6 feet long and weighing up to 140 pounds.

Chinese Giant Salamander

• It has very poor eyesight• It uses nodes that go from head to tail that

sense vibrations to catch of prey (lateral line)• It lives in rocky mountain streams and lakes in

China• It eats frogs, insects, and fish

Interesting facts

• Found on all continents except Antarctica and Australia

• One-third of known salamander species live in North America, with the highest concentration being in the Appalachian Mountains.

Things you should know

• Salamanders utilize vernal pools, which are very common in NEPA, to reproduce

• Dr. Skinner teaches a class on vernal pools, which is very fun and you can learn more about the species that inhabit our own backyards