The California Newt is a relatively large salamander. It is tan to reddish brown on the dorsal surface with a yellow to orange belly. It has large eyes with lightly colored lower eyelids. The California Newt undergoes a number of changes during the breeding season. Terrestrial, non-breeding adults have warty skin and are not slimy. Aquatic, breeding males develop smooth skin, swellings around their cloacal openings, and a fin-like tail.
Ten Facts about California Newt
- They can grow to be 8 inches (20 cm) in length.
- California newts exist primarily on the California coastline and in the Sierra Nevada.
- Reproduction occurs generally between December and early May.
- The egg mass released by the female contains between 7 and 30 eggs.
- Eggs hatch in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Garter snakes are the most common.
- The glands in the skin of California Newt secrete the potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, which is hundreds of times more toxic than cyanide.
- Earthworms, snails, slugs, sowbugs, bloodworms, mosquito larvae and other invertebrates are among the California newt's prey.
- Also known as Taricha torosa.
- The toxin is so powerful, that only 1 drop can kill up to 7 000 mice.
