The latter spot is a trademark of S. salamandra larvae and is not present in the larvae of related species. The larvae possess a pair of feathery gills just like those of Triturus species, but the salamander larva is more robust in build. On reaching a length of 5-6 cm (2-2 1/2 in) the larvae begin to develop the vivid coloration of the adults, at first slowly but more rapidly as time goes by. The gills begin to be absorbed, the flat swimming tail becomes rounded, and the amphibian metamorphoses to become ready for its terrestrial existence. It is impossible to give an exact period of time from birth to metamorphosis, although spring-born larvae will usually become terrestrial by autumn; those born later in the year may pass the winter as larvae and metamorphose in the spring of the following year.
On land the young salamanders will hunt, usually at dusk and in the darkness, for various small invertebrates that they will catch with their sticky, protrusible tongues. They may also be seen foraging on the forest floor after heavy rain during warm weather. Fire salamanders are rarely preyed upon by other creatures, their warning coloration indicating that they are distasteful, indeed poisonous, because of the toxic secretions of the skin glands.
Cancun Puerto Morelos Chichen Itza Tours Mexico