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Mobile Reptile & Amphibian Community - Home Mobile Reptile & Amphibian Community - Home Home Featured Articles Pacific Newts by Richard Bartlett on 2020-02-10 08:24:00 This is a Red-bellied newt in its terrestrial stage. Broadly speaking, there are two rather distinct groups of newts (family Salamandridae) in the USA. There are the small primarily aquatic species of the genus Notopthalmus that range in one or another of their 3 species from TX eastward and an equal number of the larger, rather terrestrial species in the genus Taricha. These latter, restricted to the Pacific Coast states are collectively referred to as the Pacific or the Western newts. The California and the Sierra newts are subspecies of T. torosa , the Rough-skinned and the Crater Lake newts are subspecies of T. granulosa , and the beautiful Red-bellied newt, T. rivularis , stands alone. The Pacific newts are hardy and easily maintained, but not all are readily available.2 are protected by either state or federal mandates. If available to the pet trade at all Pacific newts are seasonal. The Pacific newts are large (to 8") salamanders that have a less complex life cycle than their eastern counterparts. In the winter to spring breeding season all are aquatic. Following the breeding season, the late spring, summer, and autumn all are terrestrial. Captives are far more comfortable in a semi-aquatic or a woodland terrarium with a small pool of water than in an aquatic setup. Dorsally all Pacific newts are vary from a warm fawn to deep brown (rarely yellow). The venters of two species, the California and the rough-skinned newts, are a pretty, unspotted yellow. The color of the venter of the third species, the red-bellied newt, is aptly described by its common name. Worms and suitably sized insects will be eagerly accepted by your captives. If the worms are large and your newts are small, worm sections impaled on a broomstraw can be offered your captives. You can often get your salamanders to accept small pieces of beef-heart by using the same method. Small feedings may be given daily. Larger feedings may be required only once or twice a week. Wash your hands well after handling any Pacific newts. All produce very toxic glandular secretions. Continue Reading " Pacific Newts" My Account Home...