Description
Amphibians (Amphibia) are the oldest representatives of terrestrial vertebrates and form a ”transition” between fish and true terrestrial vertebrates. This group of animals includes various species of frogs, salamanders, newts and related animals. 14 species of frogs and eight species of tailed amphibians live in Serbia, of which 18 species are strictly protected.
Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) inhabits predominantly hilly and mountainous areas in Serbia. The length of its tail is approximately equal to the length of its body with its head. The dorsal surface of the body is dark, gray, brown or olive, sometimes completely black, with indistinct light spots often present on the back and sometimes on the sides. The ventral side is light yellow or orange.
European tree frog (Hyla arborea) also known as ”gatalinka” is a tailless amphibian whose color varies depending on the coloration of its surroundings, and because of that, it blends in perfectly in the environment where it lives. Males, smaller and lighter than females, have an internal inflatable vocal sac to amplify the sound, and the throat bulges out a lot during sound production. They are mostly light green in color, and their belly is usually white. Although they do not avoid daylight, they are most active in the evening hours. It's folk name gatalinka comes from the belief that it is capable of predicting (”gata”), what the weather will be like.
Fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is the largest tailed amphibian of Central Europe, with the longest lifespan. It lives up to two decades and reaches a length of up to twenty-two centimeters. The salamander has a large, flat head, on which there are marked parotid glands that secrete a poisonous secretion. Its striking black and yellow color warns potential predators that it is inedible. It lives mainly in deciduous forests of hilly and mountainous regions, in moist habitats near water.
Expert collaboration: Ana Paunović, PhD, Museum Advisor, Museum of Natural History, Belgrade
Artistic realization: Marija Vlahović, Academic Graphic Artist
