2013European Nature Protection - Amphibians - First Day Cover

Reptiles and amphibians are species of freshwater and terrestrial vertebrates. Their scientific name is derived from the Greek "amphi bios" (double life). This name is based on the fact that most amphibian larvae are experiencing in the water, and after metamorphosis can live on land, but kept all his life near the water. Fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra Latin) is the best known representative of the salamander, which lives on the western, central and southern Europe, to Asia Minor and Syria. Fire salamander is black with yellow spots of various sizes and shapes. The body is spindle-shaped, the tail is a little shorter than the hull. The transition from the head to the neck is slightly visible. The extremities are poorly developed and are moving slowly and sluggishly pushing legs body. On the surface smooth and shiny skin can be observed numerous glands that secrete a poisonous substance. Colorful salamanders grow to 20, rarely 25 cm. During the day spend their time hidden in damp places, such as moss, leaves, roots, rocks, etc.. In the evening, at night or early in the morning to leave their hiding places in search of food. They mate in the spring or summer. The mating ritual is performed on land or in shallow water.