Notophthalmus meridionalis
Black-spotted newt | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Urodela |
Family: | Salamandridae |
Genus: | Notophthalmus |
Species: | N. meridionalis
|
Binomial name | |
Notophthalmus meridionalis (Cope, 1880)
| |
Subspecies | |
N. m. kallerti (Wolterstorff, 1930) | |
Synonyms[2] | |
|
Notophthalmus meridionalis, the black-spotted newt or Texas newt, is a species of aquatic newt native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas in the United States.[1][2] This amphibian was put on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species in 2008 with populations still decreasing. It was reclassified to Vulnerable in 2022.[1]
Description
The black-spotted newt (Notophthalmus meridionalus) is the largest extant member of the
Habitat
Black-spotted newts prefer shallow-water habitats, heavy with vegetation. However, this type of habitat uncommonly occurs in the northern part of the specie’s range. Otherwise, the black-spotted newt can be found among vegetation that is submerged in water. During the dry season, they are believed to burrow underground or remain under debris. Usually the black-spotted newt will burrow less than two meters deep within these saturated and vegetated areas.[8] Since black-spotted newts prefer shallow-water habitats, heavy with vegetation; during the dry season, they are believed to burrow underground or remain under debris. When water dries up, they can be found under rocks and other structures. However, individuals are not believed to make it very far if forced to leave their habitats if the water completely dries up.[8]
Behavior
The life history of this species is not well known and the presence of an eft stage has yet to be determined. Breeding is not known to occur in any specific month, but rather is tied to rainfall.[8] Breeding occurs year-round. After reproduction, the eggs are attached to a substrate within the water among the submerged vegetation preferably in shallow water. Generally, this species in unable to tolerate habitat disturbance like habitat destruction or pollution which are major threats to this species.[1]
They are carnivorous, consuming a wide variety of prey, including insects, aquatic invertebrates, leeches, and other amphibians.
Newts are known for their brightly colored skin that advertises their toxic secretions from their poison glands. This coloration is called aposematic coloration. Their toxic skin secretions are used to deter predators. When disturbed, this species exhibits the unken reflex. This is a behavior where the organism contorts its body in a spiral fashion to expose its brightly colored underside and the head is tucked underneath the tail. This is presumed to be a way for this organism to signal its toxicity. After a period without disturbance, the newt will relax.[9]
Range
Notophthalmus meridionalis can be found in the states of
Conservation
The black-spotted newt is listed as a threatened species in Texas[12] and as a vulnerable species by the
References
- ^ a b c d e f g IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2022). "Notophthalmus meridionalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T59452A53987990. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ . Retrieved 5 February 2021.
- ISSN 0022-1511.
- JSTOR 1563166.
- JSTOR 1443418.
- ^ JSTOR 1563111.
- JSTOR 3670786.
- ^ a b c "Notophthalmus meridionalis". amphibiaweb.org. Retrieved 2022-04-18.
- ^ Bare, Evan (June 2019). "Notophthalmus meridionalis". Herpetological Review. 50 (2): 335.
- .
- ^ OCLC 16348102.
- ^ "Black-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus meridionalis)". Wildlife Fact Sheets. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved 2010-04-28.
- Herps of Texas: Notophthalmus meridionalis
- Ellen Trout Zoo: Black-spotted Newt
- National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians