# Iberian Ribbed Newt (*Pleurodeles waltl*) The Iberian Ribbed Newt is a small, colorful creature that lives in water. It has special ribs that stick out to help protect it! - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Wetlands and ponds - **Also known as:** Iberian Newt, Waltl Newt ![Iberian Ribbed Newt](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426370/objects/5747.jpg) ## Appearance The Iberian Ribbed Newt has a distinctive flattened body, olive-green to dark brown skin, and prominently visible bony ribs that can poke through its sides when threatened. Its belly is lighter, often yellowish or orange, and can have dark spots. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Caudata - **Family:** Salamandridae - **Genus:** Pleurodeles ## Interesting facts - Baby newts breathe with feathery gills, like tiny fish! - Male newts perform an intricate underwater courtship dance. - These newts are popular pets and studied for their healing! - They can survive for months without food, slowing down their body! ## Special abilities - **Ribbed Defense:** Iberian Ribbed Newts can push their sharp ribs through their skin because of specialized bones that help them deter predators. - **Toxic Skin:** The Iberian Ribbed Newt has glands in its skin that produce a mild toxin that helps protect them from being eaten. - **Super Regeneration:** Iberian Ribbed Newts can regrow limbs, brain parts, and spinal cord, helping them recover from severe injuries. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 15-30 cm - **Weight:** 0.05-0.2 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-20 years - **Clutch Size:** 100-1300 - **Metamorphosis:** 30-180 days ## Diet & Feeding These hungry newts munch on insects, small crustaceans, and other aquatic critters. - **Age differences:** Larvae eat smaller invertebrates; adults eat larger prey, including other amphibian larvae. - **Primary Foods:** insect larvae, Daphnia pulex, Gammarus pulex, small snails, tadpoles - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Viperine Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/viperine-snake) (*Natrix maura*) — Adult newts can be prey for this aquatic snake. - **Eaten by:** [Grey Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grey-heron) (*Ardea cinerea*) — Herons will hunt newts and other aquatic life in shallow waters. - **Eats:** [Common Carp](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-carp) (*Cyprinus carpio*) — Larger fish may predate on newt larvae and eggs. - **Hunts:** Water Flea (*Daphnia pulex*) — Newt larvae and juveniles feed on these tiny crustaceans. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Iberian Ribbed Newt? Compare body shape, toes, markings, tail and skin texture. Tadpoles and larvae can look nothing like the adults they turn into. Amphibian Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Iberian Ribbed Newt? 15-30 cm ### How much does Iberian Ribbed Newt weigh? 0.05-0.2 kg ### How long does Iberian Ribbed Newt live? 10-20 years ### What does Iberian Ribbed Newt eat? These hungry newts munch on insects, small crustaceans, and other aquatic critters. ### Where is Iberian Ribbed Newt usually found? Wetlands and ponds ### How does Iberian Ribbed Newt hunt? Ambush ### How many eggs does Iberian Ribbed Newt lay? 100-1300 ## Where to spot - [Parque Regional del Sureste](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/parque-regional-del-sureste) — Comunidad de Madrid, ES · Park ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Iberian Ribbed Newt: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/iberian-ribbed-newt)