Not Alike: Yellow-Eyed Ensatina vs. California Newt |
At first glance, the Yellow-Eyed Ensatina Salamander looks like a California Newt. | |
But take a closer look, the differences become quite apparent. | |
The Ensatina prefers dark, damp places where it soaks up moisture through its skin. | |
Its skin and eye color have evolved to mimic the poisonous California Newt. | |
When disturbed, the ensatina at first remains motionless, then gradually arches its back to appear larger, more threatening. |
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If an escape route is nearby, it will immediately dive into it and disappear. | |
In contrast, the Cailfornia Newt forages openly in search of food on the forest floor. | |
It crawls a ways, then stops momentarily watching for insect movement. | |
Note the rough texture of its skin and the clear color definition of its eye. | |
When obstructed, it simply turns the other way and crawls off. | |
To learn more about these amphibians, visit the California Herps website. | |
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