The Family Salamandridae includes newts and true salamanders, a group of amphibians found mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America. Members of this family typically have elongated bodies with tails, smooth or rough skin, and four well-developed limbs. Many species are semi-aquatic, living in water during breeding seasons and on land at other times, while some are fully terrestrial. Salamandrids often possess toxic skin secretions as a defense against predators. Reproduction usually involves internal fertilization, with females laying eggs in water or moist environments. They play important ecological roles as predators of insects and other invertebrates and as indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems.