Fauna
Amphibian

Rough-skinned Newt

Taricha granulosa

Also known as Roughskin Newt

Rough-skinned newts are renowned for secreting tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin so potent that a single adult carries enough poison to harm multiple humans if eaten. During spring breeding, adults migrate from damp coastal forests into quiet ponds where males develop smooth, rubbery skin and flattened tails for swimming. When threatened on land, they flash a dramatic defensive display by arching their back to reveal a vivid orange warning belly.

ToxicAmphibianPacific Coast
Rough-skinned Newt reference1 / 7
The High Fin Sperm Whale / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyInsect Larvae, Aquatic Snails, Earthworms
Predators
  • Common Garter Snake
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, road mortality, water pollution
HabitatsConiferous forests, damp woodlands, ponds, lakes, slow streams
Life span12–18 years
Classification
  1. FamilySalamandridae
  2. SpeciesTaricha granulosa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Skin secretes deadly tetrodotoxin; never ingest and wash hands thoroughly after any accidental contact.
Why it is dangerous
Skin secretes deadly tetrodotoxin (TTX), a neurotoxin that blocks sodium channels and causes paralysis or fatal respiratory failure if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a granular, dark brown to olive back sharply contrasting with a bright yellow or orange belly.
What to do
Observe without handling, and thoroughly wash hands with soap immediately if accidental contact occurs.
Responsible observation
  • Handling Precaution: Always wash hands immediately with soap and water after handling to prevent toxin transfer to eyes or mouth.
  • Road Crossings: Watch for migrating newts on wet forest roads during autumn and spring rainy nights.
  • Recognizing Defense: Observe from a distance if a newt arches its back to show its bright orange underside.
Related species
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