The conspicuous postmetamorphic coloration of fire salamanders, but not their toxicity, is affected by larval background albedo

Experimental work in the early 20th century showed that background albedo experienced by larvae of the fire salamander ( Salamandra salamandra ) induce a durable morphological modification of the postmetamorphic color pattern, which needed confirmation due to the controversies regarding Paul Kammerer's experiments. Such a carry‐over effect would be relevant as the black and yellow pattern of the alkaloid‐containing adult fire salamanders has...