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What are Salamanders and Newts? Salamanders and newts are the tailed amphibians (Urodela or Caudata, meaning “tail visible”). Newts are a group of rough-skinned salamanders. All salamanders have toxic skin secretions, although some are quite mild. Most have a long, flat tail; short, poorly developed legs; and smooth, moist skin. Generally salamanders have the double life cycle typical of amphibians, but some spend most of their life in aquatic environments. The fossil record of salamanders is patchy, and the oldest well-preserved fossil is from the Jurassic. First known fossil occurrence: Jurassic. Last known fossil occurrence: Quaternary. This group has living relatives. |
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