Types Of Newts
A Look At Different Types Of Newts
There are believed to be over 350 different types of newts and salamanders combined. The only behavioral difference that is noticeable between the two is that while salamanders spend a good amount of their time on land, newts prefer to spend a majority of their time in the water. It is important to keep in mind that newts do not enjoy to be held, especially because of the heat that radiates from human skin. If you attempt to hold one and it feels threatened, it may secrete a toxic fluid as a means of protection so it is very important that you thoroughly wash your hands. Below are some of the more intriguing types of newts.
Red Spotted Newt
This is one of the more colorful types of newts, hence its name. They dwell primarily in wet forests that home a pond or small lake. The Red Spotted newt coexists well with fish due to the poisonous substance that they will excrete when needed so they do not have many predators. They have a maximum lifespan of around 15 years and can grow to be 5 inches long. The striking orange juvenile stage that they go through has earned them a popular choice for aquarium pets.
Japanese Fire Belly Newt
These types of newts mature at a length between 3.5 and 5.5 inches are characterized by their pebbly, rough skin and very distinct glands. They are usually black with red spots and reside in cool, clear bodies of waters, feeding on blood worms, night crawlers, ghost shrimp, crickets and mosquito larvae. Their largest predator is the Fire-bellied toad.
Emperor Newt
Also known by the name of Mandarin newt, they are larger in size and can easily grow to be eight inches long. They have a peculiar, ridged orange head and this ridge flows all the way to the tip of their tail. On either side of this ridge you will find bumps which give the appearance of a protruding spine. These types of newts are nocturnal and interestingly, these orange bumps on their backs are all venom glands which they will use to secrete poison. One adult Emperor newt is believed to have enough poison to kill 7,500 mice however, they are not generally aggressive unless provoked.
Palmate Newt
Found primarily in Europe, these types of newts are considered endangered in Belgium and the Netherlands and are quite vulnerable in other areas as well. They can reach up to 9.5 centimeters and have brown to olive green skin. The Palmate newt lives in canals, lakes, marshes and forests feeding on small crustaceans, invertebrates, planktonic animals and tadpoles.
Alpine Newt
The striking Alpine newt male will display a blue back, stippled white and black flanks and a bright orange belly. They inhabit primarily forests that offer an adequate water source primarily in Europe. These newts live terrestrially and during the day will stay in undergrowth, moving to cool water for the mating season.
Paddle-tail Newt
Primarily found in China, these types of newts are common house pets. They are characterized by their paddle-like tails, flat bodies and range from pale brown to dark brown to black. The live in cool areas that are high in oxygen but low in nutrients so these types of newts show aggression towards each other, especially when they are hungry. They have the ability to go weeks without eating however, when given the opportunity will feed on small fish, crustaceans and insect larvae. It is unknown how long this species lives in the wild but in captivity they have been known to be 20 years old.
Iberian Ribbed Newt
Also called the Spanish Ribbed newt, they are known for their extremely sharp ribs that can puncture through their sides. This is a defense mechanism and is not believed to harm the newt at all. In the wild these types of newts are capable of growing to be one foot long. They prefer quiet, cool, deep waters, feeding on worms, tadpoles and insects. The Iberian Ribbed newt is currently on the Red List for its near threatened status.