Did you know?
That Alpine Salamanders hibernate during the winter months. As a defense mechanism, they secrete a poison from their the skin by lifting its head and bending backwards. After mating, females can store a “sperm bag” for up to two years in their body.
The Alpine Salamanders’ body length is 15 cm. They have a deep black color (the subspecies Salamanda atra aurorae has a dirty yellow on the back). Mostly nocturnal, but after a cold rain, can also be seen during the day. In general, its activity depends on the temperature and humidity (preferably about 85%). They feed on small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, various types of larvae, woodlice, slugs and earthworms.
Mating takes place in late spring and early summer on the mainland. After two years, females give birth to one or two fully-developed young (ovoviviparous). They measure about 4 cm long, breathe with lungs and can live on land. This form of reproduction must be considered as an adaptation to life at high altitudes.
