California Newt, Sierra subspecies © Alvin E. Staffan

Salamanders

Description 5-7 3/4" (12.7-19.7 cm). Resembles Rough-skinned Newt but has larger eyes and light-colored lower eyelids. Tan to reddish-brown above, yellow to orange below. Back and belly colors blend. Breeding male has smooth skin, swollen vents, compressed tail, and toes tipped with black, horny layer.

Warning The skin secretions of the Newts of the genus Taricha contain toxins similar to those found in pufferfish liver. These are among the deadliest natural toxins yet discovered. A healthy adult will die from eating just one Newt. Care should be taken to wash hands thoroughly after handling Newts.

Subspecies Coast Range (T. t. torosa), brown above, light yellow to orange below; San Diego to Mendocino County, California.
Sierra (T. t. sierrae), reddish-brown to dark brown above, deep orange below; w. slope of Sierra Nevada.

Breeding December to May. Female lays one or two dozen eggs in spherical masses, on aquatic plants or submerged forest litter. Larvae hatch at about 1/2" (11 mm), transform in fall at 2 1/4" (5.7 cm) or following spring when larger.

Habitat Quiet streams, ponds, and lakes and surrounding evergreen and oak forests along coast. Fast-moving streams through digger pine and blue oak communities in Sierra Nevada foothills.

Range Coastal California from San Diego to Mendocino County; also w. slope of Sierra Nevada. Separate population at Squaw Creek, Shasta County. Near sea level to 7,000' (2,134 m).

Discussion During rainy season it may be seen abroad during the day. Dry periods are passed under moist forest litter and in rodent burrows. Like other Pacific newts, this species strikes a warning posture when threatened, revealing its brightly colored underbelly.