Striped newt
A species of Eastern newts Scientific name : Notophthalmus perstriatus Genus : Eastern newts
Striped newt, A species of Eastern newts
Scientific name: Notophthalmus perstriatus
Genus: Eastern newts
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Glenn Bartolotti , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The striped newt, Notophthalmus perstriatus, is a species of aquatic salamander native to the southeastern United States. It is a close relative of the eastern newt, with which it shares territory, and can be distinguished from the latter by the presence of red stripes running down the sides of its back and red spots on its back that lack a black outline.
General Info
Lifespan
6-12 years
Diet
Striped newt is a carnivorous species predominantly consuming small aquatic invertebrates. Its diet primarily includes crustaceans, insects, and annelids, displaying an opportunistic feeding behavior to adapt in various habitats.
Appearance
Striped newt is small-sized with a slim, elongated body structure and a smooth, moist skin, appearing in striking shades of red and orange, often sprinkled with black dots. A significant aspect of its morphology is its two pairs of legs and a long tail. As it matures, the coloration may darken. Both sexes have similar appearance without notable distinctions.
Behavior
Striped newt is a nocturnal animal with distinctive foraging and breeding behaviors. Unlike many other species, they display biphasic life cycle, alternating between aquatic and terrestrial phases. Their social dynamics are complex, exhibiting both defensive behavior to protect territory during breeding season, and communal tendencies during non-breeding times. Striped newt's survival tactic includes hibernation during unfavourable conditions.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Glenn Bartolotti , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
True salamanders Genus
Eastern newts Species
Striped newt