Rough-skinned Newt

Taricha granulosa

Rough-skinned newts are small amphibians with bumpy skin. They live near water and have bright orange bellies to warn predators that they're poisonous.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Rough-skinned Newt has a rough, granular skin that is dark olive-brown to black on its back. Its underside is a striking bright orange or yellow. Its tail is laterally compressed when in water, giving it a paddle-like appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilySalamandridaeGenusTaricha

Rough-skinned Newt

Interesting facts

A single newt contains enough poison to kill up to 15 adult humans!

Rough-skinned Newts can live up to 20 years, sometimes even longer!

These newts rub their front feet over their eyes to keep them clean!

They amazingly return to the same pond every year to lay their eggs!

Special abilities

Rough-skinned Newts can produce a potent neurotoxin in their skin that deters most predators.

Rough-skinned Newts can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their brains and eyes.

Rough-skinned Newts have bright orange undersides that warn predators of their toxic defense.

Rough-skinned Newts have skin that absorbs oxygen directly from the water, allowing long submersion.

Measurements & details

Length: 6-12 cm
Weight: 0.005-0.015 kg
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Top Speed: 0.1 km/h
Clutch Size: 7-30
Metamorphosis: 120-270 days

Diet & Feeding

These newts eat small invertebrates like worms and insects both on land and in water.

Age differences: Larvae eat tiny aquatic invertebrates; adults switch to a broader diet of terrestrial and aquatic prey.

Primary Foods

earthworms
slugs
snails
insect larvae
small aquatic insects

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

One of the few predators resistant to its toxins.

hunts

Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

A common terrestrial food source.

hunts

Leopard Slug

Limax maximus

Opportunistically preyed upon by adults.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Regenerative

Imagine if you could grow back a lost arm or tail! Some incredible creatures have the power to regrow body parts, making them truly amazing survivors in nature.

Aquatic

Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.

Poisonous

Be careful around these plants and animals, as they can cause harm if you touch them or eat them! Their defense mechanism protects them from other creatures.

Nocturnal

Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.

Venomous

Be amazed by animals that can inject special substances to defend themselves or catch their food! They deliver their potent dose through a bite or a sting.