Notophthalmus meridionalis

Small and spicy…

The black-spotted newt is a species of aquatic newt native to Northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. They have a toxic skin secretion which is used to deter predators.

Black-spotted newts are usually between 3 and 4 inches in length and typically olive green in color. They have smooth skin and a paddle-shaped, vertically flattened tail. They live in quiet stretches of streams that are submerged in vegetation; permanent and temporary ponds and ditches.

Black-spotted newts are carnivorous, consuming a wide variety of prey, including insects, aquatic invertebrates, leeches, and other amphibians.

Conservation Status:  Threatened.  Habitat loss and runoff from cattle operations has greatly reduced the wild populations of the black-spotted newts.

Did you know?
Not much is really known about the life history of this tiny amphibian.