The individual characteristics are in most cases shared with other salamanders and are not synapomorphies of the Salamandridae. The premaxilla may consist of a single bone or separated, paired bones. The angular bone is fused to the mandible. A frontosquamosal arch is present in some genera. Septomaxillary bones are absent.
Lacrimal bone is absent.
Quadratojugal bone is absent. Pterygoid bones are present. Internal carotid foramina are absent from parasphenoid bones. Ear bones feature fusion of the columella with the ear capsule, and a free operculum. Replacement of vomerine teeth proceeds medially.