A small, intriguing amphibian native to Italy, particularly found in the central and southern regions. What sets this salamander apart is its striking eyes, surrounded by a noticeable white ring resembling spectacles—hence its name. This unique feature gives it a distinctive look and aids in camouflage among the leaf litter and undergrowth of its forest habitat.

Males and females can be distinguished by size, with females generally larger. Unlike many amphibians that have smooth skins, the spectacled salamander’s skin is slightly rough, providing better grip as it climbs along wet surfaces in its moist habitat.

Living in cool, damp environments such as forests, river valleys, and sometimes in more arid, rocky areas, these salamanders prefer to stay hidden under stones or logs during the day. They are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night when they hunt for food. Their diet primarily consists of small invertebrates like insects, spiders, and worms.

One of the fascinating aspects of the spectacled salamander’s life is its reproductive strategy. Breeding occurs in late winter or early spring. Instead of laying eggs in water like many salamanders, the spectacled salamander lays its eggs in moist, terrestrial locations. After laying, the female guards her eggs, which is quite unusual for salamanders. The larvae that hatch are already adapted to life on land, which is an adaptation to environments that may lack suitable permanent pools of water.

The spectacled salamander also exhibits some interesting behaviors and adaptations. For instance, when threatened, it can curl up into a tight ball to protect its more vulnerable underside. This defense mechanism, combined with its cryptic coloration, helps protect it from predators like snakes and birds.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Italy

2021