Transcript Salamanders
Salamanders Amphibians vs. Reptiles Both: ectothermic (cold-blooded), secretive, members of food chain Amphibians Moist skin, can breathe through it 2 different life stages Defense = poison in skin Frogs, salamanders, toads, newts Reptiles Scales, dry skin Breathe air through lungs Nails and teeth, venom Habitat differences General Salamander Info Classifications: salamanders, newts, sirens, caecilians Largest species: Chinese giant salamander (5ft) Smallest species: seepage salamander (1-2in) 88 species in NC Aquatic and terrestrial habitats Water essential Role in the Ecosystem Balance insect and invertebrate populations Natural pest control Prey for mammals, birds, fish Secondary consumer Indicator species More? Spotted Salamander Black body, distinct spots on body East US from Canada to Texas Carnivores Unique spot code Cowan’s Ford research Marbled Salamander Gray to black with silvery crossbands NE US to Georgia Woodlands Carnivores Tiger Salamander Largest terrestrial salamander in the world (13in) Stripes from yellow to orange Coastal plain on NC Northern Mexico to southern Canada Dig burrows Generalist predators Red Spotted Newt 3 life stages Larva, eft, adult Efts are toxic and bright red, have mimics Adults are green with red spots Eastern US Carnivores And Many More! Aquatic, terrestrial, gills, lungs, no lungs, small, large – a large range of characteristics Incredible diversity Threats (main 6), cryptic species, more research needed! Additional resources: www.herpsofnc.org www.savethesalamanders.com