California and Sierra Newts are native to California.
In winter and spring, Sierra Newts in Nevada County respond to an over-powering urge – to return to the pond or stream where they were born.
Reproduction
Hormones cause this migratory breeding behavior, known as water drive. (The hormone, prolactin, is also responsible for human breast milk production.) The migration begins with travel and ends in a submerged ball-like embrace with a female (amplexus).
Predators & Toxins
On its mating journey and throughout its twenty-year life, the only form of defense that the newt possesses is its skin. The skin contains tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin.
“This neurotoxin is strong enough to kill most vertebrates, including humans,” – Wikipedia.
When threatened, the newt arches its back, flashing its colorful underbelly, offering the predator a warning and a choice (unken reflex). [See Worlds Weirdest video below.]
Newts are one of the most toxic animals in the world. But the toxicity of the Sierra Newt is nothing to worry about when handling this interesting and delicate creature. It’s only dangerous if you eat it!
“Scientists have tested 30 potential predators of newts, from belted kingfishers to great blue herons to bullfrogs and fish, finding in every case that the newt killed them,” writes Lynda V. Mapes, Seattle Times staff reporter.
Toxic Skin
If you enjoyed this post, check out Sierra Tree Frog with Chemical Sensitivities
Resources:
California Newt Identification
California Newt – Wikipedia
Declining Global Amphibian population – National Geographic – 1 hr program
eHow – Newt Life Cycle
Nevada County Resource Conservation District – Amphibians
PDF – California Newt Fact Sheet – Sacramento Zoo
PDF – Sierra Newt – Wildlife Habitat Relationships System – CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
Sierra Newt – Taricha Sierrae – California Academy of Sciences
Sierra Newt’s Epic Mating Tactics -Earth Touch News Network
The deceptively cute newt: ‘You don’t want to kiss them’ – The Seattle Times
Eye of Newt References
Book – Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog, Adder’s Fork and Lizard’s Leg, THE LORE AND MYTHOLOGY OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES by Marty Crump
Is eye of newt a real thing? – How Stuff Works
