Old legends claimed that the salamander was born from fire. Actually, since these animals seek out moist, protected areas, they would seek shelter in logs. When the logs were thrown into a fire, the hidden salamanders would emerge, hence the name. Salamanders may live more than twenty years in captivity. The 358 species are found in temperate and tropical regions of North, Central and South America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia, including Japan and associated islands.
Salamanders are more tolerant of cold than frogs, so are more widely distributed in temperate areas.
They live in cool, dark places and are mostly nocturnal. The moist glandular skin functions as respiratory surfaces. The skin is permeable and can absorb polluted water which can cause death. Many have bright colors to warn of their bad taste from skin secretions. The skin is shed, sometimes whole, and sometimes in pieces which are then eaten.