They belong to the family Salamandridae and are closely related to salamanders.
Newts have a distinct life cycle that includes aquatic larval and terrestrial adult stages.
Many newt species are brightly colored, often displaying vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow.
They are found in a variety of habitats, including ponds, lakes, and moist woodlands.
Newts have smooth, moist skin and lack scales, making them susceptible to desiccation.
During the breeding season, male newts develop elaborate courtship displays to attract females.
Some newt species are known for their toxic skin secretions, which deter predators.
Newts undergo metamorphosis, transforming from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults.
The red-spotted newt is a common species found in North America and has three distinct life stages: aquatic larva, terrestrial juvenile (eft), and aquatic adult.
Newts primarily feed on small invertebrates, such as insects, worms, and crustaceans.
They use their sticky tongue to capture prey with precision.
Some newts exhibit neoteny, retaining their aquatic larval characteristics even as adults.
The great crested newt is one of Europe's largest newt species, known for its distinctive crest along the back.
Newts are ectothermic, relying on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
They hibernate during the winter months, often in cool, moist places.
Newts play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations.
Certain newt species, like the Japanese fire belly newt, are popular in the pet trade.
The skin toxins of some newts, such as those in the genus Taricha, can be potent and even deadly to predators and humans if ingested.
Newts communicate using chemical signals, visual displays, and vocalizations.
The smooth newt is a widespread species found in Europe and Asia.
Newts are known for their ability to regenerate body parts, including limbs and parts of their heart and brain.
Some newts, like the rough-skinned newt, secrete toxins through their skin as a defense mechanism.
Newts exhibit courtship behaviors, including tail fanning and elaborate dances, during the breeding season.
The eastern newt, native to North America, has a distinctive bright orange juvenile stage known as the red eft.
Newts are often associated with freshwater habitats, but some species inhabit terrestrial environments.
In some cultures, newts are considered symbols of transformation and renewal.
The palmate newt is named for its webbed hind feet, which aid in swimming.
Newts have a lifespan that varies among species, ranging from a few years to more than a decade.
They are sensitive to environmental changes, making them indicators of ecosystem health.
Newts are known for their agile and graceful swimming abilities.
The alpine newt is found in mountainous regions of Europe and has a distinctive coloration.
Newts are vulnerable to pollution and habitat destruction, leading to declines in some populations.
Certain newt species, like the California newt, exhibit aposematism, warning predators with bright coloration of their toxic nature.
Newts have specialized glands in their skin that produce toxins, which they can release when threatened.