"Lungless" Salamanders Did you know that there is a family of salamanders that is considered "lungless"? These salamanders, which are included in the family Plethodonti, include the Northern red, Slimy, Redback, Four-toed, Longtail, Northern two-lined, and Northern dusky salamanders. These "lungless" creatures undergo a process called cutaneous respiration, wherein oxygen is taken in through the skin, which acts like gills, allowing carbon dioxide to be released from the salamander as well. In addition to the lungless salamanders listed above, there are others that reside outside of the Southeastern PA region. For a good resource on Pennsylvania's reptiles and amphibians, see the PA Fish and Boat Commission's "Pennsylvania Amphibians and Reptiles". Click [HERE] for more Field Notes.

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