Home > Newts > California Newt

California Newt

California newt is a species of newt found only in California in the United States. The glands in the skin of this species produces potent toxins.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Amphibia
    Order Caudata
    Family Salamandridae
    Genus Taricha
    Scientific Name Taricha torosa


    Other Names Orange-bellied newt
    Size 5 to 8 in (13 to 20 cm)
    Color Slate-gray upper surface with bright orange-yellow underside
    Distribution California (Western United States)
    Habitat Woodlands, chaparral, near small ponds and creek
    Diet Earthworms, woodlice, bloodworms, snails, crickets, slugs, mosquito larvae
    Predators Common garter snake
    Breeding Season December to early May
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 7 to 30 eggs
    Incubation Period 2 to 3 weeks
    Average Lifespan 21.8 years in captivity
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    California Newt Pictures Gallery

    Published on June 14th 2017 by under Newts. Article was last reviewed on 30th September 2019.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *