California Newt
Taricha torosa
Silhouette: Neil Kelley · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAmphibia (Amphibians)
- OrderCaudata (Salamanders)
- FamilySalamandridae (True Salamanders and Newts)
- GenusTaricha (Pacific Newts)
- SpeciesTaricha torosa (California Newt)
About the California Newt
The California newt or orange-bellied newt (Taricha torosa), is a species of newt endemic to California, in the Western United States. Its adult length can range from 5 to 8 in (13 to 20 cm). Its skin produces the potent toxin tetrodotoxin.
Taricha torosa was divided into two subspecies until 2007, when it was determined that the Sierra and coastal populations represent distinct evolutionary lineages. The former subspecies Taricha torosa sierrae was elevated to full species level and it is now known as Taricha sierrae, the Sierra newt. Taricha torosa torosa has been retired and now all coastal populations are simply known as Taricha torosa, the California newt.
California newts reside in the coastal counties of California and in the southern and central Sierra Nevada and occupy a diverse array of habitats found near the small ponds and creeks where they breed, including woodlands and chaparral.
The California newt has warty, slate-gray skin on its back and bright orange-yellow skin underneath. It is very similar in appearance to the rough-skinned newt and they are often indistinguishable without dissection, but in general, the... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of California Newt in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks | 🇺🇸 United States |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a California Newt in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a California Newt sighting in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, based on 26 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see California Newt in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?
January has the highest sighting rate for California Newt in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in our monthly data.