Rough-Skinned Newt - Burke Museum

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Taricha granulosa

What they look like

  • 6-9 inches
  • Can be yellow or tan, but usually dark brown or black
  • Underside is yellow, orange or red
  • Dry, granular skin

All About Amphibians

Name: Rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa) Order: Salamanders (Caudata) Family: Newts (Salamandridae)

A red and orange with bumpy skin newt sits on wood
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Rough-Skinned Newt. 

Fast Facts

Where they live

  • View a map of where they live
  • In Washington state found west of the Cascades
  • Prefer slow moving, quiet water but can be found on land away from water under logs or rocks
  • Found in grassland, woodlands and forests

Breeding

  • Breeding season is December through July
  • Lays one egg at a time attached to underwater debris
  • Sometimes migrate long distances to breeding ponds
  • The larvae can mature and reproduce in their larval state, although this significantly lowers their life span. This is referred to as neoteny. 

Cool Biology Facts

  • Rough-skinned Newt will display bright colored underside when threatened
  • They are Washington state’s most poisonous newt
  • Toxins can cause mild skin irritation, but can cause severe symptoms if ingested, including paralysis and/or death
  • The iris in their eyes are yellow or silver

Threats

  • There are currently no major threats. View their status on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
small brown salamander on bright green vegetation

Amphibians & Reptiles of Washington

Do you know where rattlesnakes live in our state? Or which salamander breathes through its skin? Explore the fascinating diversity of the 26 species of amphibians and 28 reptiles found in Washington state.

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