Added 24 September 2004. Last updated 29 March 2026: matched species entries to current classification.
Mertensiella is a genus of a single species of salamander found in NE Turkey and the Caucasus. It is closely related to Salamandra, although how close has been a matter of some debate: some have considered Mertensiella simply a subgenus of Salamandra, although the two are not extremely similar in appearance. There do appear however to be similarities in their ecology and reproduction.
The genus is characterised by a generally slim build, protruding eyes, clearly visible parotoid glands, the ability to autotomise (drop the tail, lizard-fashion) and an upward-pointing spur in males on the upper side of the tail base.
Whereas Salamandra, particularly S. salamandra, appears to be a hardy and easily keepable beast, Mertensiella seem to be much more delicate and there are few records of captive breeding that I am aware of. This and their restricted distribution does not make them good or logical candidates for most keepers.
Note: BoS&M = Biology of Salamandra and Mertensiella (see Bibliography).
M. caucasica, Caucasian Salamander |
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Scientific Name |
Common Name |
Distribution |
Size |
Notes |
Mertensiella |
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Caucasian Salamander |
NE Turkey south of the Black Sea, Caucasus Minor |
Up to 18cm |
Very slender species found in isolated populations of up to 1000 animals in mountain forests around the upper sections of streams in mountain areas close to the Black Sea coast. David Tarkhnishvili in Biology of Salamandra and Mertensiella draws a comparison between this species and Chioglossa lusitanica. The species is characterised by 12-13 costal grooves and a tail longer in length than the total snout-vent length of the body (contrast with M. luschani). It is relatively slimmer than its congeneric. In terms of behaviour the salamanders are relatively inactive, spending much of the year in shelters. These they leave in May-early July (the higher the altitude, the later within this period), the males usually first. The species is strictly nocturnal, the peak of activity being reached about 3 hours after sunset. Coloration: overall dark brown with two golden- to copper-yellow stripes, usually separated, running down the dorsum to the tail where they become one. Reproduction: mating takes place soon after the emergence of the salamanders (see above). Females deposit 11-24 eggs in the water: these take about 50 days to hatch, and thus emerge usually in the autumn. This is a slow-maturing species, and larvae may hibernate for 3-4 years before metamorphosis, which usually takes place in July-August. The juveniles then enter shelters and rarely reemerge before sexual maturity, which probably takes at least 10 years. Tarkhnishvili and Gokhenashvili conducted a study of a population and found that adults ranged in age from 12-26 years. |
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Biology of Salamandra and Mertensiella, various contributors, Mertensiella 4, DGHT, Bonn 1994. Detailed look at both genera from a scientific rather than terrarium point of view but with useful general information on Mertensiella. We acknowledge our debt to this book in preparing this page.
Lurche und Kriechtiere Europas, W E Engelmann, J Fritzsche, R Günther and F J Obst, Ferdinand Enke Verlag, Stuttgart 1986. Although taxonomy is now somewhat outdated, the book gives useful information on Mertensiella.
Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe, E N Arnold, J A Burton, D W Ovenden, 1978 (Collins Field Guide). Note that this version includes only the species luschani, which is referred to as a member of Salamandra. A revised and updated edition came out in 2002.
Die Amphibien Europas, Andreas and Christel Nöllert, Franckh-Kosmos, Stuttgart, 1992. Gives details for M. luschani.
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