Salamanders, often perceived as silent inhabitants of damp environments, lead many to wonder if they produce sounds. Unlike frogs, most salamander species do not possess the specialized anatomical structures for producing loud, complex vocalizations. Their communication relies heavily on other sensory modalities to navigate their world and interact with each other.
The Silent Majority: Why Most Salamanders Don’t Vocalize
The quiet nature of most salamanders stems from their biological makeup and ecological adaptations. Unlike frogs with vocal cords and sacs, most salamanders lack these structures for sound production. While some species, like the mudpuppy and Pacific giant salamanders, possess a larynx, it is not developed for complex vocalizations. Their respiratory systems are simpler, designed more for breathing through both lungs and skin, rather than for vocalizing.
Salamanders often inhabit moist, secretive places like under logs, in leaf litter, or underground burrows. In these environments, sound does not travel efficiently, making vocal communication less advantageous. Their secretive, nocturnal lifestyles contribute to their silence, as remaining inconspicuous helps them avoid predators. Relying on loud calls could attract unwanted attention, posing a risk. Their survival strategies favor stealth and the use of senses other than hearing.
When Silence is Broken: Rare Instances of Salamander Sounds
While most salamanders do not vocalize, some species produce subtle, incidental sounds. These noises are often generated by expelling air, jaw movements, or rubbing body parts, usually in response to distress or as a defensive measure. For example, the California giant salamander can emit a bark or rattle, and the arboreal salamander might squeak by retracting its eyes, forcing air out.
Other recorded sounds include clicks, hisses, or faint shrieks from species like sirens and ensatina salamanders. Mudpuppies produce soft barks or squeaks, and some tiger salamanders make a quiet squeak by forcing air through their nostrils. The Chinese giant salamander is notable for producing sounds resembling a baby’s cry, leading to its nickname “baby fish.” These sounds are quiet and infrequent, used primarily to startle predators or signal discomfort rather than for regular communication.
Beyond Sound: How Salamanders Truly Communicate
Given their limited vocal abilities, salamanders primarily rely on other sophisticated communication methods. Chemical signals, particularly pheromones, are a main form of interaction. Salamanders possess specialized glands, such as mental glands under the chin or cloacal glands, that secrete these chemical cues. These pheromones convey information about identity, territory, and sexual receptivity, guiding individuals to mates or marking boundaries.
During courtship, males often use pheromones to stimulate females and expedite mating. For instance, male northern dusky salamanders may scrape their teeth across a female’s back to deliver pheromones. Old World newts and other species engage in visual displays, such as specific postures or tail movements, sometimes fanning their tails to waft pheromones towards a mate. Tactile interactions are common during courtship rituals, where salamanders engage in a “tail-straddling walk” or touch each other with snouts and tails. These diverse non-auditory signals are effective for communication within their habitats.