Salamandrina terdigitata (Bonnaterre, 1789)

Taxonomic Identification

The spectacled salamander, scientifically named Salamandrina terdigitata (Bonnaterre, 1789), is a species of salamander in the family Salamandridae.

Core Distribution Range

This species is found exclusively in the southern Apennine Range of Italy, where it inhabits humid valleys and shady, overgrown hillsides at altitudes between 200 and 1,200 meters.

Range Border Relationship

To the north, its range borders the range of its sister species, S. perspicillata.

Ecological Indicator Status

S. terdigitata is considered an important indicator species for environmental health.

Hind Foot Toe Count

Unlike most other salamanders and newts that have five toes on their hind feet, this species has four toes.

Dorsal Body Appearance

It has a warty, brownish-black back, with a ribbed texture on its flanks, and a creamy white V-shaped marking between its eyes.

Ventral Body Appearance

The underside of the salamander is covered in black and white markings, while the underside of its legs and tail are pinkish-red.

Microhabitat Preferences

Spectacled salamanders are most often found near streams, in dense vegetation, or sheltered under leaf litter, dead wood, or stones.

Activity and Habitat Type

They are nocturnal and terrestrial.

Anti-Predator Defense Display

When threatened, this salamander performs unkenreflex by raising its tail and legs, displaying its red underside to deter predators.

Similar Aposematic Species

Similar aposematic warning displays are seen in newts, the Apennine yellow-bellied toad, and the spotted salamander.

Mating Timing and Location

Mating for the spectacled salamander occurs on land during spring.

Reproductive Traits

Females lay clutches containing roughly 30 to 50 eggs, and the larvae take 2 to 3 months to fully develop.

Sex-Specific Water Use

Female spectacled salamanders only enter water to lay eggs; after completing metamorphosis, adult males avoid water entirely.

Taxonomic Classification Source

The IUCN Red List follows research published by Mattoccia et al. (2005) and Canestrelli et al. (2006) which classifies Salamandrina perspicillata as a separate species from S. terdigitata.