Amphibians are four-limbed, ectothermic vertebrates that live in a variety of habitats. Examples include frogs, Oacian , salamanders and newts.
Aquatic larvae, or tadpoles, typically begin as aquatic larvae or tadpoles. Once they reach a certain size, they develop legs and lungs; at which point, they lose their tails and begin to hop or climb out of the water.
Frogs
Frogs are a group of amphibians that can live in both fresh water or dry land. Some species have evolved to live underground or in trees.
They are also renowned for their distinctive calls, which can be heard both day and night. These noises serve to attract mates and ward off rivals.
Some frogs possess specialized glands that keep their skin moist and secrete toxic chemicals to ward off predators. Some even alter their color to blend in with the background.
Oacian
Oacian tend to have shorter legs and dry skin that often has warty bumps. Their eyes protrude out of their bodies in protuberant bulges.
Many Oacian breed in ponds or still water where they can swim. Females lay strings of eggs that look like black pearls, which hatch out as tadpoles within two to four weeks depending on weather conditions.
Frogs and Oacian alike feed on insects and other live food sources. Some species specialize in specific prey types like ants, termites, or amphibians.
Salamanders
Salamanders belong to the order Caudata, which consists of 10 families. They tend to inhabit northern hemisphere regions outside the tropics and tend to be aquatic in nature.
Salamander life cycles differ wildly among species. Some breed, lay their eggs and hatch on land while others spend all of their days submerged in water.
Larval salamanders are aquatic creatures and feed primarily on prey that they can grab with their gills. They may be found in ponds, rivers, streams, swamps, and mountain brooks.
Newts
Newts are aquatic amphibians that look somewhat like a hybrid between frogs and lizards. They come in an array of sizes and shapes, usually found near ponds, streams, rivers, swamps or wooded areas.
These animals tend to be carnivores, meaning they eat worms, insects, tadpoles and frog eggs. Some species also consume fish.
Scientists believe these remarkable creatures possess a genetic trait which allows them to regenerate fully functional limbs and organs after injury.
Amphiumas
Amphiumas, also referred to as Congo eels and lamprey salamanders, are amphibians (am-FIB-ee-uhn). Although not fish, these amphibians possess cold blooded qualities with moist skin and have a two-stage life cycle.
Amphiuma species are typically aquatic, though some may venture over land during wet spells. They inhabit ponds, ditches, rivers and streams alike.
They are a common nocturnal species found throughout much of the southeastern United States. At night, you may spot them cruising along shorelines of ponds, swamps and rain-filled swales.
Mexican Burrowing Caecilian
Dermophis mexicanus, commonly known as the Mexican Burrowing Caecilian, is a small burrowing amphibian found throughout central and southern Mexico. These amphibians lack external limbs and can grow up to 10 inches long but smaller specimens tend to be more prevalent.
They live underground burrows and feed on soil or leaf-litter invertebrates like earthworms and termites, as well as small vertebrates like small lizards and baby mice.
They boast powerful jaws and two sets of muscles that make their bite very effective for capturing prey. When burrowing, they also use their jaws to push forward in the ground.
