Understanding the Differences Between Newts and Salamanders - American Oceans (2024)

Newts and salamanders are two fascinating groups of amphibians that often pique the interest of nature enthusiasts and researchers alike. Although they share many similarities, there are distinct differences between these closely related creatures. As members of the order Caudata, both newts and salamanders possess a tail throughout their life stages, display incredible regenerative abilities, and thrive in moist environments.

Diversity and Classification

The diversity in species and classification of salamanders, particularly within the family Salamandridae, is remarkable. This family comprises two subfamilies: the Pleurodelinae, which includes newts, and the Salamandrinae, which consists of true salamanders. Salamandridae can be found across various regions such as North America, California, Europe, Asia, and North Africa¹.

In North America alone, there are over 100 species of salamanders². Notable genera include Notophthalmus, which is present in eastern North America, and Taricha, found on the west coast³. Salamanders in Europe and Asia are known for their unique characteristics, such as the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra)⁴. California is home to the abundant California newt (Taricha torosa)⁵.

Newts, within the subfamily Pleurodelinae, are amphibians with a diverse range of appearances and behaviors. A study on the eastern newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, for instance, found considerable variation in their retinal ganglion cells—a feature significant to their vision and adaptation abilities⁶.

As for true salamanders, they possess an impressive diversity of skin secretions that serve various functions, from defense against predators to communication⁷. The genus Salamandra is particularly well-known for its range of skin toxins⁸.

Habitat and Lifestyle

Newts and salamanders are both members of the order Caudata, which consists of amphibians with tailed, elongated bodies, and limbs that are well-adapted to various environments. These creatures can be found in an array of habitats, ranging from terrestrial to semi-aquatic, and exhibit different behaviors and lifestyles based on their individual species and surroundings.

Regarding habitat, newts can transition between land and water during their lifespan. Adult newts often exhibit a multiphasic lifestyle, shifting between aquatic and terrestrial habitats on a seasonal basis¹. While in water, newts consume a diet of small invertebrates, such as insects and crustaceans. On land, newts exhibit a largely terrestrial lifestyle, seeking moist environments under rocks, logs, and leaf litter, where they feed on small prey like insects, worms, and slugs¹.

Salamanders exhibit a wider range of habitats as well as behavior and appearance variations. Some species, like the lungless salamanders, live exclusively on land and have evolved to breathe through their moist skin². Others, like the axolotl and tiger salamander, possess neotenic traits, retaining juvenile features like gills and spending their entire lives in water³. Their diets mainly consist of aquatic invertebrates, small fish, or other amphibians.

Both newts and salamanders can produce toxins as a defense mechanism against predators⁴. Newts, such as the red-spotted newt, produce tetrodotoxin in their skin glands, making them unpalatable for potential predators⁵. Some salamanders, like the red salamander, also produce toxins that deter predators from consuming them⁶.

In terms of reproduction and breeding, newts and salamanders both lay eggs. However, the specific breeding behaviors vary among species. Many newts court and mate in water, while other species of salamanders, like the lungless salamanders, lay their eggs on land in moist environments⁷. Larvae for both groups are typically aquatic and undergo metamorphosis, developing limbs and other features necessary for adult life. An exception to this are neotenic species, such as the axolotl, which remain in their larval forms throughout their lives⁸.

As pets, both newts and salamanders can be fascinating choices, but require specialized care and attention. Proper maintenance of temperature, humidity, and appropriate diets are crucial to ensure their health and well-being⁹. While some species, like the tiger salamander, are commonly kept in captivity, it is essential for potential owners to research specific requirements for each species and source them from ethical breeders.

Special Features and Behaviors

Newts and salamanders belong to the order Urodela within the class Amphibia, sharing many similarities as well as some distinct features and behaviors. In this section, we will explore these special characteristics that set newts and salamanders apart from other amphibians.

Newts and salamanders can be distinguished from other amphibians based on their physical traits. They have elongated bodies, long tails, and moist skin. Most species within the family Salamandridae have four feet with well-developed toes that help them in their movements. Among the different genera, the Taricha newts and the Notophthalmus viridescens or eastern newts exhibit bright colors like red on their skin, referred to as red efts.

A striking feature of these amphibians is their ability to regenerate lost limbs, tails, and even their spinal cords, making them unique among vertebrates. This capability involves a complex process called metamorphosis, which transforms their early aquatic larval stage with gills into a terrestrial adult with lungs.

One of the key behavioral aspects of newts and salamanders is their courtship. It involves intricate rituals such as male clasping and the release of pheromones. This behavior is important to ensure successful reproduction, as these animals typically lay their eggs underwater.

In terms of habitat, salamanders thrive in a variety of environments, including forests, marshes, and swamps. The Chinese giant salamander, for example, is an aquatic species found in rocky mountain streams. They have unique respiratory adaptations, such as external gills in the larval stage and lungless species like those in the subfamily Pleurodelinae that rely on their skin for oxygen exchange.

Another fascinating aspect of newts and salamanders is their toxin-producing abilities. Some species, particularly in the genus Taricha, produce a potent neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, which acts as a defense mechanism against predators. The fire-bellied newts exhibit bright warning colors on their ventral side, which are indicators of their toxicity.