Scientists have long been intrigued by the incredible agility of salamanders as they navigate uneven and vertical surfaces of trees. A groundbreaking discovery reveals that these amphibians employ a remarkable strategy reminiscent of horror films: they fill their toes with pools of blood.
In observations conducted by researchers in a coastal redwood forest in 2021, it was documented how wandering salamanders (Aneides vagrans) showcase a rhythmic movement of blood beneath their translucent skin. Prior to each step, a surge of blood fills the tips of the salamanders’ toes, enhancing their grip and stability on challenging terrains.
