Ambystoma vocalum

Ambystoma vocalum, commonly called flautist's newt or emerald siren, is a breed of salamander native only to the St. Montaigne Delta. It is easily spotted by its long, bright green body and the small orifices which run down its spine and emit a strange tone, like a beetle buzzing. Vocalum 's diet consists mainly of crustaceans and small fish which co-habitat the muddy pools beneath Salix argentum that it prefers. Vocalum seem to be unique in their mating practice of taking exactly four different mates at one, laying and fertilizing separate batches of eggs. In addition to male and female specimens, there appears to be a third gender, identified through its larger-than-average orifices, which travels from one egg clutch to another, emitting a low frequency tone (~.5 kHz). The purpose of this is emission is unknown, but the most accepted hypothesis put forward by Ciola Montainne, the foremost researcher on vocalum, is that this emission communicates nutrient requirements to nearby Salix argentum.

In folklore
Vocalum are a common feature in those communities directly on the Delta. Many wind instruments and fountains bear the image of the salamanders. The common expression "playing the newt", meaning trying to perform music while intoxicated, is in reference to vocalum 's strange noises.

Medical Uses
Pilkwater Munch was credited with combining the mucus of vocalum with charcoal and thistle milk to create a potent anesthetic/antihistamine. However, use of this tonic has been largely discontinued, due to the common side affect of causing vestigial tails to grow on pregnant mothers.