Taricha torosa ( California newt) and Taricha granulosa (rough-skin newt)

Female watches visitors	Aquatic male
Gravid female looks around	Female full of eggs

This pond is a breeding site for two species of newts. They spend most of their life in seclusion on land. Moving and feeding begins with the fall rains and adults migrate to water for a short time to breed in winter and spring. At this time, they undergo a transformation from a rough skinned terrestrial form to an aquatic form; the males develop a smooth slimy skin and enlarged fin-like tail. At all times, the skin contains poison glands that produce highly toxic secretions.

Courting trio

Most of the individuals you see here are males (darker and plumper females spend less time in the water). You may also see courting pairs or groups (as in the photo).

Taricha torosa, egg clusters

The two species are generally similar in appearance. Taricha torosa is usually the most abundant. It lays gelatinous clusters of 7-30 eggs which are usually attached to stems of plants (most easily seen—right photo). In contrast, Taricha granulosa lays its eggs singly, wrapping each in a piece of vegetation.

You may be able to see developing larvae inside the eggs. The eggs hatch in 2-4 weeks. The larvae are small aquatic organisms with an enlarged tail-fin and external gills. They spend 1-2 seasons in the pond before metamorphosing into the adult form.

arvae are small (under 2 inches) aquatic organisms

PLEASE ENJOY BUT DO NOT TOUCH OR DISTURB
PLEASE RESPECT THEIR PRIVACY