A small orange-bellied newt with rougher skin than rough-skinned newt. Toxic but to lesser degree than its more dangerous cousin.

Native status: Native to coastal California

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 11–18 cm
Weight5–14 g
LifespanWild 10–20 years
OrderCaudata
FamilySalamandridae

§ Encyclopedia

The California newt or orange-bellied newt, is a species of newt endemic to California, in the Western United States. Its adult length can range from 5 to 8 in. Its skin produces the potent toxin tetrodotoxin.

Source: Wikipedia — California newt Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Stocky brown-to-tan newt with orange belly; rough granular skin; broad head.

Similar species. Rough-skinned Newt (different range edge; similar). California Newt (very similar; subtle differences).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, snails, small invertebrates.

Behavior. California coastal newt restricted to Coast Ranges. Like related Pacific newts, contains potent tetrodotoxin in skin and tissues; predators avoid them. Mass road mortality during winter breeding migrations a major conservation concern.

§ Range

Coastal California

§ Habitat

Wet woodlands, ponds, streams

§ Threats

Habitat loss, road mortality during breeding migration, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the coast range newt is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Drive slowly on rainy California winter nights. Support coastal habitat protection.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • IUCN Red List 2014