Tag Archives: Rough-skinned Newt

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Neil Silverman recently photographed a Rough-skinned Newt. Looks like this newt was ready for his or her close-up!

You shouldn't touch this newt because they have a neurotoxin in their skin. It's called tetrodotoxin, the same neurotoxin in pufferfish. Gartersnakes can handle this toxin and they prey on these newts. Rick and I often see them in our forest, along side the seasonal creek. They flash their orange underparts as they cross the trail.

Thanks to Neil for allowing me to share his photo with you here. Neil, along with his wife, Susan, teach photography workshops. You can find out more at this link: https://silvermansphotography.com/

The temps went up, up, up today - another heat wave. The horizon is clear so perhaps there will be a green flash at sunset.

Spring doesn't know...

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Amy Ruegg wrote, “I thought you might enjoy seeing my amphibian friends found at the Hot Spot! A juvenile Western Toad was hopping enthusiastically over the rounded river stones and was so challenging to photograph." The Hot Spot is on The Sea Ranch, a sunny place along the Gualala River.

Amy continues, "A Rough-skinned Newt was squirming quickly into the fallen leaves at river’s edge. They are so cute and surprisingly bright orange underneath I am wishing for rain while I enjoy autumn’s abundance!”

Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

The smoke is much less today and the humidity is higher. With a series of three storms headed our way, we are (literally) breathing easier.

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Rough-skinned Newts spend time in creeks and ponds, and also on land. Richard Kuehn recently photographed one swimming.

Swimming Rough-skinned Newt by Richard Kuehn

I find them occasionally in our courtyard where we have a fountain. It's fun to see them flash their orange underparts. Peggy Berryhill photographed this one below.

Rough-skinned Newt by Peggy Berryhill Rough-skinned Newt in attack position bt Hal Fogel

The photo above, taken by Hal Fogel, shows a newt in an attack position. Rough-skinned Newts have a toxin in their skin so it's best to not handle them. Garter Snakes are the only creatures that can eat this particular newt.

Thanks to Rich, Peggy and Hal for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Yes, it is early for the Mendonoma Coast to have rain but try telling that to Mother Nature. Yesterday we received a nice soaking. Perhaps that is why this tiny Rough-skinned Newt was seen crossing a forest path this morning. Not much longer than an inch and a half, this is a baby Newt. Perhaps it started its life in one of the ponds on Quinliven Creek. Rick and I only noticed it because it moved. Notice the hints of orange coloring on its edges. If you turned this Newt over, you would see its orange undersides.

To see the adult Rough-skinned Newt that lives in the pond in our courtyard, click on this link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/04/02/an-interesting-creature-living-in-our-pond-a-rough-skinned-newt/

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An orange Dragonfly - Libellula saturata - visited my garden in Anchor Bay. In our courtyard we have a small pond with a waterfall flowing from an old-growth Redwood stump. The Rough-skinned Newt is still in residence in the pond. A few days ago I noticed this beautiful naiad flitting around the plants by the pond. This jewel-like Dragonfly eats moths, flies, ants and other insects. Welcome to my garden, male Flame Skimmer!