Northern banded newt
A species of Ommatotriton Scientific name : Ommatotriton ophryticus Genus : Ommatotriton
Northern banded newt, A species of Ommatotriton
Scientific name: Ommatotriton ophryticus
Genus: Ommatotriton
Content
Description General Info
Photo By ttadevosyan , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Ommatotriton ophryticus, the northern banded newt, is a species of newt in the family Salamandridae. It is found in northeastern Turkey and western Caucasus in Georgia, Armenia, and southern Russia.
General Info
Lifespan
6-10 years
Diet
Northern banded newt primarily feasts on small invertebrates, including insects, spiders, and worms. This carnivorous lifestyle allows for effective energy intake within its freshwater habitat. Occasionally, northern banded newt also consumes aquatic plants.
Appearance
Northern banded newt is a medium-sized salamander with a length of up to 17 cm. It has a slender body, smooth skin, and a long tail, all of which are predominantly dark green or brown. This amphibian is distinguished by its vibrant red belly and large, protruding eyes that are remarkable with black crossbands and golden irises. While both sexes share these traits, males have thicker tails and more pronounced cloacal regions than females.
Behavior
Northern banded newt is a nocturnal species primarily found in aquatic habitats. Notably solitary, they come together solely during their breeding season. Males are known to show territorial behaviors, defending their breeding sites from rivals. Northern banded newt has a uniqueness in its secondary sexual characters, used for courtship behaviors to attract females. It displays highly specific survival adaptations like skin coloration for camouflage within its natural environment.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By ttadevosyan , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
True salamanders Genus
Ommatotriton Species
Northern banded newt