# 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. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Snaps:** 60 - **Habitat:** Wetlands - **Also known as:** Pacific Newt ![Rough-skinned Newt](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425869/objects/6365.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Caudata - **Family:** Salamandridae - **Genus:** Taricha ## 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 - **Toxin Shield:** Rough-skinned Newts can produce a potent neurotoxin in their skin that deters most predators. - **Regeneration Power:** Rough-skinned Newts can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their brains and eyes. - **Warning Colors:** Rough-skinned Newts have bright orange undersides that warn predators of their toxic defense. - **Aquatic Lungs:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/earthworm) (*Lumbricus terrestris*) — A common terrestrial food source. - **Hunts:** [Leopard Slug](https://www.snappit.app/explore/leopard-slug) (*Limax maximus*) — Opportunistically preyed upon by adults. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [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. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. - [Poisonous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/poisonous): Poisonous organisms produce toxins that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through contact. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate Never touch or try to catch a rough-skinned newt as their skin can be toxic. Enjoy watching them from a safe distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Rough-skinned 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 Rough-skinned Newt? 6-12 cm ### How much does Rough-skinned Newt weigh? 0.005-0.015 kg ### How long does Rough-skinned Newt live? 10-15 years ### How fast can Rough-skinned Newt move? 0.1 km/h ### What does Rough-skinned Newt eat? These newts eat small invertebrates like worms and insects both on land and in water. ### Where is Rough-skinned Newt usually found? Wetlands ### How does Rough-skinned Newt hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Hakone Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hakone-gardens) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [Santiam State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/santiam-state-forest) — Oregon, US · Forest - [Capitol State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/capitol-state-forest) — Washington, US · Forest - [Clatsop State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/clatsop-state-forest) — Oregon, US · Forest - [Fort Hoskins](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-hoskins) — Oregon, US · Park - [Headwaters Forest Reserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/headwaters-forest-reserve) — California, US · Forest [View all places to see Rough-skinned Newt](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/rough-skinned-newt) ## 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: [Rough-skinned Newt: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rough-skinned-newt)