Description
Even for a newt, the Rough-skinned Newt has very
rough, warty
skin. Generally it is light brown to black on top with a yellow or
orange belly.
Adults can grow to over 20 cm in total length.
Confusing Species
There are no other newts in British Columbia to confuse this
species with.
Distribution
The Rough-skinned newt is limited to the Pacific coast of
British Columbia
as far north as southern Alaska. To the south it occurs along the
coast to
northern California. The Rough-skinned Newt has the distinction of
being found
farther north than any other salamander in North America.
Habitat
The preferred habitat of the Rough-skinned Newt is ponds,
lakes and slow-
moving streams. Terrestrial efts can be found in the adjacent
humid forests.
Reproduction
Breeding generally occurs in the spring. Newts are known for
their
elaborate courtship displays. The female lays her eggs one at a
time on
submerged plants. Within one to two months the eggs hatch and the
larvae
transform into efts late in the summer at roughly 5 cm total
length. Some larvae
may not transform until the following summer, when they may be over
7 cm long.
Natural history
Terrestrial efts can be found wandering about on cool, humid
days, in
search of food. Newts eat a variety of insects and other
invertebrates. Newts
contain toxins in their skin which are lethal to most predators
except Garter
Snakes. When threatened by a predator they assume a posture which
displays the
bright colour of the underside. This presumably warns the predator
that they are
toxic.
Conservation Concerns
There is no evidence of a decline in Roughskin Newts. |
