Taricha
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The genus Taricha consists of three species and four subspecies of Western Newts (sometimes referred to as Pacific Newts). All newts are part of the family Salamandridae. The three species within this genus are the California Newt, the Rough-Skinned Newt, and the Red Bellied Newt, all of which are found on the west coast of the USA.
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[edit] Species
Genus Taricha (Western Newts / Pacific Newts) - 3 species
- Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa)
- Red-bellied Newt (Taricha rivularis)
- California Newt (Taricha torosa)
[edit] Toxicity
All species within the genus Taricha are highly toxic and contain the biotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX), one of the most potent toxins known. However, the degree of toxicity varies between species and between populations within a species. In general, the Rough-skinned Newt (T. granulosa) is the most toxic species. Rough-Skinned newts from populations in Northern Oregon are more toxic than those from California and Washington. Those on Vancouver Island in British Columbia posses little or no TTX. TTX-containing newts are only lethal to humans if ingested, but at least one fatality occurred in Oregon from eating a Rough-skinned Newt. Eastern newts of the genus Notophthalmus (=Diemictylus of earlier authors) also contain TTX, but in lesser amounts. Proper hand washing after handling newts can easily prevent any problems. Also, newts' skin absorbs water and chemicals from its surroundings, so wash your hands before handling in order to avoid making a newt ill with the natural oils from your skin.
Despite this precautionary note, many people enjoy keeping these newts as pets. Many happy pet owners have discovered that with proper feeding, light cycles, and tank set-up and hygiene, these newts will readily adapt to aquariam life and you may find yourself with baby newts one spring.
[edit] Differentiating between species
The Rough-skinned Newt (T. granulosa) and the California Newt (T. torosa) share several characteristics. Both are light brown to black on top and orange to yellow on the underbelly. Both have pebbly skin that is not slimy and may grow to a length of 8 inches (large for a salamander). However, there are a few characteristics to tell them apart. Rough-skinned Newts have small eyes with dark lower eyelids while California Newts have large eyes and light lower eyelids. Also, Rough skinned newts' upper teeth form a V shape, while California newts upper teeth form a Y shape, but this is difficult to ascertain on a living newt.
The Red-bellied Newt (T. rivularis) is brown on top with a red underbelly, has grainy skin, and grows to between 5.5 and 7.5 inches. It can be distinguished from other coastal newts not only by its red belly, but also by the lack of yellow in its eyes. Breeding males develop smooth skin and a flattened tail.
[edit] Habits
All species of newts in the genus Taricha eat a diet largely consisting of invertebrates. Blood worms and mosquito larvae are common in their diet. Their protection system consists of the bright underbellies. Many animals associate bright colors with poison, which is especially true with these newts. The newt will take a defensive position, showing off the bright underbelly to avoid being eaten. If the predator does not take the hint, one of these newts may be its last meal. This is because newts of the genus Taricha have enough toxins in their skin to kill an adult human.[citation needed] Indeed, an adult Rough-skinned Newt contains enough TTX to kill ten adult humans. Newts of this genus are primarily nocturnal and may be either fully aquatic or semi-aquatic. None are fully terrestrial as they must enter the water to breed. Young newts tend to be primarily terrestrial until they reach sexual maturity.
