Notophthalmus meridionalis

Scientific name. Notophthalmus meridionalis

Common Name. Black-spotted Newt

General information. Notophthalmus meridionalis finds shelter among submerged rocks and feeds on insects, mollusks, leeches, and small amphibians. Notophthalmus meridionalis also has toxic secretions from skin glands to deter predators.

Protected status. The Black-spotted Newt is considered a threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state.

Diagnostic features. Smooth-skinned newt with a relatively large head. Elongate limbs. Finned, vertically compressed tail.

Coloration. Olive green dorsum and orange ventral surface, both with large black spots. Yellow stripes on back and blue-green coloration on sides may be present.

General distribution. In North America, Notophthalmus meridionalis is found in south Texas and adjacent Mexico.

Texas distribution. The only subspecies of Notophthalmus meridionalis found in Texas,N. m. meridionalis, is found along the coast in the southern portion of the state.

Habitat. Notophthalmus meridionalis prefers warm, shallow waters with vegetative cover, such as those in ponds, ditches, and swamps.

Reproduction. Breeding peaks in the spring for Notophthalmus meridionalis, but can occur all year. Females will lay up to 300 eggs and attach them to submerged vegetation in shallow waters.

Size. Notophthalmus meridionalis grows to an adult total length of 5-11 cm (2-4.2 in).

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.