| Range: |
Western, central, southern Europe; northwestern Africa; southwestern Asia |
| Habitat: |
Forests and woodlands |
| Conservation Status: |
Common |
| Scientific Name: |
Salamandra salamandra |
Though this amphibian was named for the mistaken belief that it could live in fire, the fire salamander still lives up to its name. Not only is its skin toxic, but the glands behind its eyes can squirt a highly-irritating substance into the eyes or mouth of a would-be predator. Otherwise, this colorful salamander is shy and retiring. It lives in forests and woodlands, feeding on a variety of insects, slugs, and earthworms.
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