Difference between Salamandra s. s. and S. s. terrestris?

[allan]

Is there an easy way to visually differentiate between Salamandra salamandra salamandra and Salamandra salamandra terrestris?

Can someone tell me the difference between these sub-species (other than locality)?

Also, which is more popular with salamander hobbyists?

Thanks for any help or information,
Allan

PS There's some pretty cool Salmandra images at:
http://phrynohyas.free.fr/page-salamandres.htm

 

[john]

Basically, Salamandra s. salamandra is "spotted", whereas S. s. terrestris usually has two bands of yellow running on either side of the back (there may be a number of breaks in the bands, depending on the individual). In some, the bands are perfectly connected but in others they're quite broken up.

S. s. salamandra is usually a lot bigger (up to 30 cm / 12 inches) than S. s. terrestris (usually not more than 22 cm / 9 inches), and the tail is usually longer in S. s. salamandra. There are other more subtle differences in body shape too.

Here's a link to a photo of S. s. salamandra.
And here's a link to a photo of S. s. terrestris.
Both photos are from Amphibia Web.