Rough-skinned newt

Rough-skinned newt on the west side of the Oregon Coast Range

Taricha granulosa egg in moss observed near Pe Ell, Washington on May 22, 2017

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Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) is a North American newt known for its rough skin texture and potent toxin. This species is primarily found along the Pacific coast, ranging from Alaska to California. The rough-skinned newt is a member of the family Salamandridae, which includes other newts and salamanders. Its habitat includes woodland, forest, and coastal areas, where it lives in close proximity to bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and streams.

Description

The rough-skinned newt is characterized by its granular skin and a distinct coloration pattern. Adults typically have a dark brown or black dorsal side and a brightly colored orange or yellow ventral side. This coloration serves as a warning to predators about the toxicity of the newt. They can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length, making them one of the larger newt species in their range.

Behavior

Rough-skinned newts are semi-aquatic, spending time both in water and on land. They are known for their remarkable life cycle, which includes a larval stage that lives in water, followed by a terrestrial juvenile stage, before returning to the water as adults for breeding. Mating occurs in late winter to early spring, and females lay eggs in water, which hatch into aquatic larvae.

Toxicity

One of the most notable aspects of the rough-skinned newt is its potent toxin, tetrodotoxin (TTX), which is present in its skin. TTX is a powerful neurotoxin that can cause paralysis and death in predators. The newt's main predator, the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), has evolved a resistance to this toxin, leading to a co-evolutionary arms race between the two species. The level of toxin varies among populations, with some newts being more toxic than others.

Conservation

The rough-skinned newt is currently not considered to be at risk; however, habitat loss and pollution pose potential threats to some populations. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats and monitoring populations for any signs of decline.

In Culture

The rough-skinned newt has intrigued scientists and nature enthusiasts alike due to its unique adaptations and striking appearance. It serves as a symbol of the delicate balance within ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity.