Rough-skinned Newt
Taricha granulosa
![[Rough-skinned Newt]](/images/147ds.jpg)
Description
Distribution Range
General range map taken from CWHR.
Museum records taken from following institutions: CAS Herps, MVZ Herps, LSUMZ Herps.
Typical Elevation
We do not yet have enough records from distinct localities to calculate typical elevation. We need 1 more distinct locality.
Taxonomy
The Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) was originally described in 1849 by Skilton as Salamandra (Triton) granulosa. See Amphibian Species of the World.
There are no currently recognized subspecies.
Pronunciation
The assumed IPA pronunciation of this species: /tɑ ˈri kɑ/ /grɑ nu ˈloʊ sɑ/
Taxonomic Etymology
Taricha is from the Greek τάριχος and means “dead body preserved by embalming”. It may be a reference to the rough skinned appearance (Beltz 2006).
granulosa is from the Latin granulum and references their granular skin.
Taxonomy Notes
The genus Taricha was described in 1850 using Triton torosa as the type species (Gray 1850), though that genus name was not initially widely adopted.
In 1935 this species was placed in the genus Triturus (Twitty 1935).
In 1952 this species was placed in the genus Taricha (Wahlert 1952).
Additional Information
Images
Unless otherwise noted, all images are of wild specimens in Shasta County.
Please be kind, do not hotlink images and do not use images without permission of the copyright owner.
![[Rough-skinned Newt]](/images/147sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Notice the flattened tail to facilitate swimming and the lack of any costal grooves. Also note that the pigment under the eye is dark like the rest of the face, distinguishing it from the Sierra Newt. Tamarack Road, Shasta County, CA
![[Rough-skinned Newt]](/images/149sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Adult male Newts have a swollen area around their vent. Shasta County, CA
Habitat Shots
Unless otherwise noted, these habitat shots are from within Shasta County where this species is known to occur.
![[Rough-skinned Newt habitat]](/images/148sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
High Elevation Cattle Pond. Rough-skinned Newts frequently utilize ponds such as this one where they feed on aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, and breed. Tamarack Road, Shasta County, CA
Similar Species
Pacific Newts can readily be distinguished from other Shasta County salamander species by their lack of costal grooves. Distinguishing between the two species of Pacific Newts that occur in our area can be a bit more difficult.
Sierra Newt
Sierra Newts (Taricha sierrae) have light lower eyelids and the teeth in the roof of mouth make a “Y” shaped arrangement.
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