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Sierra Newt — printable fact sheet
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Sierra Newt
Taricha sierrae
The Sierra Newt is a medium-sized amphibian native to the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It has a rough, brownish skin on its back and a vibrant orange belly, making it easily distinguishable from other newt species. Sierra Newts spend much of the year i…
Did you know?
- The Sierra Newt’s bright orange underside is a warning signal to potential predators about its high toxicity—a classic example of aposematic coloration.
- Sierra Newts secrete a powerful neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, making them unpalatable to most predators. During the breeding season, males develop smooth skin and a flattened tail to aid in swimming. Despite their toxicity, some populations of garter snakes have evolved resistance to their toxin.
What I learned
Draw the sierra newt
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