“Wooly Devil” Is First New Plant Genus Found In US National Park For Nearly 50 Years

And its relatives might come as a surprise.

Unveiling the Salamander's Family: A Curious Collection

Closely Related Kinsfolk

Salamanders, known for their intriguing appearance and remarkable adaptability, belong to a diverse group of amphibians. Their family tree extends far beyond the familiar forest-dwelling creatures we may be accustomed to, encompassing an assemblage of equally fascinating and lesser-known species.

Frilled Lizards

At first glance, frilled lizards may seem like an unlikely relative of salamanders. However, these Australian natives belong to the same order, Urodela, as salamanders. Frilled lizards are characterized by a distinctive frill that extends around their neck, providing an impressive defense mechanism.

Giant Salamanders

As the name suggests, giant salamanders are colossal amphibians that can reach up to 1.5 meters in length. These nocturnal predators inhabit the pristine waters of Japan and China and feed primarily on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic creatures.

Alpine Salamanders

In contrast to their giant counterparts, alpine salamanders are petite and adapted to high-altitude environments. Found throughout the Alps, these creatures exhibit a remarkable ability to withstand cold temperatures and reproduce in the absence of surface water.

Siren

Sirens are aquatic salamanders that have undergone a remarkable evolutionary transformation. Lacking hind legs and possessing an elongated, eel-like body, sirens resemble snakes at first sight. They inhabit muddy waters and utilize their unique respiratory system to extract oxygen from water.

Proteus

Proteus is one of the most enigmatic salamanders, inhabiting the underground rivers of Europe. Completely blind and lacking pigmentation, this subterranean creature feeds on small crustaceans and has a lifespan that can exceed a century.