Salamandridae is a family of salamanders consisting of true salamanders and newts. There are currently 74 species spread all over the northern hemisphere - Europe, Asia, the northern tip of Africa and North America. Salamandrids are distinguished from other salamanders by the lack of rib or costal grooves along the sides of the body and usually have rough skin.

 

Salamandrids generally have patterns of bright and contrasting colors, although there are a few exceptions. They have four well-developed limbs, with four toes on the forelimbs, and five toes on the hindlimbs. They vary from 2.8 to 12 in. in length.

 

The Alpine salamander and Lanza's fire salamander give birth to live young, without a tadpole stage, but the other species lay their eggs in water.