History and origin
The Alpine salamander was first described by Laurenti in 1768, the scientific name of this species is Salamandra atra. Salamandra is from Greek and means 'salamander', the common name for this kind of animal in Greek. Atra is from Latin and means 'black'.
Alpine Salamander, Salamandra atra - © Jean Muratet
Alpine Salamander, Salamandra atra - © Jan van der Voort
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Characteristics
They are characterised by only having one small opening on each of the flank warts, this is a very liable key in identifying S.lanzai from S.atra.
Description
=Size=
- Eggs: This species doesn't lay eggs.
- Larva: This species doesn't have a larva form.
- Juveniles: The young measure between 40 to 50 mm long when born.
Adults: Males measure up to 145 mm long, females grow up to 150 mm long.
=Morphology=
- Eggs: This species doesn't lay eggs.
- Larva: This species doesn't have a larva form.
- Adults: They are quite slim, they have a flattened head which is as long as large. Their skin is smooth, they have small yet prominent paratoid glands. They do not have any crests. Along their flanks they have a series of ripely warts and on these warts they have only one small opening (from which they can secrete a defensive venom). They lack any webbing. Their pupils are round. This species is distinct from S.lanzai thanks to a few important key criteria, their limbs are slimmer the S.lanzai, their head is less distinct from the body, and they only have one small opening on each of the flank warts.
Patterns & colours
- Eggs: This species doesn't lay eggs.
- Larva: This species doesn't have a larva form.
- Adult: They are completely black, dark gray on the underside. For ssp. aurorae, there is a large pale (usually yellow) blotch on the top of the back, however this sub-species is not found in France. They have dark eyes.
Geographical range
 This species is linked to the Alps, they are present over most of Switzerland, Austria and northern Croatia, they are only found in a very small area of France, near Geneva. They are also found in northern Italy. There is a Balkan populations found in a small area of Bosnia and Albania on Mont de Corsnica and Prenj.
Subspecies
- atra - They are found over most of the range.
- aurorae - They are found in north eastern Italy.
- pasubiensis - They are found in the rovereto area, Italy
- prenjensis - They are found on Mont de Corsnica and Prenj (Bosnia/Albania).
Sexual differences
Males have a much larger swollen cloacae, their front legs are longer. Males are usually more robust then females. The males paratoid glands are smaller and males have shorter fingers.
Seasonal variations
Insignificant research has been done in this domain.
Diet
They feed on insects, spiders, slugs... any other bite sized vertebrate.
Defensive habits
Their main defensive act is to secrete trough the small openings on their body a venomous liquid substance, strong, this venom can cause irritations if in contact with your eyes. Otherwise, when threatened they will raise their body and dip their head downwards.
Reproduction
Mating happens on land at any point in the year (sometimes many times), however this is depending on altitude and climate of any given year. They may give birth as long as 3 to 4 years after the successful mating act, usually gives birth to at least 2 young (max. 6), these young are completely formed.
Sexual maturity, life span
The average life span for Salamandra atra is about 10 years, they reach their sexual maturity in about three years.
Habits
Their spree of activity is usually in mid-summer (cooler at these altitudes). They spend much time in their hide out which are situated at least 30 cm underground, they always return to the same refuge after every excursion. Depending on climate they may only have up to 10 to 20 days activities per year. They exit their refuges mainly in the evenings, otherwise are tempted out by rain or cloudy conditions by day. To observe this species the ideal temperature is over 0 C and at least 80% humidity.
Habitat
They are found between 1700 and 1920 m in altitude. They live in and around the edges of sub-alpine prairies, at the edges of fresh humid woods and forests and close to mountainous streams. They are also at home in stable and evolutionary habitat (unstable habitat - frequent avalanche areas...).
Predators
Only birds and vipers may be a threat given the altitude restrictions of this species. |
