Range
Endemic to most of the Northern Coast Ranges of California.
Habitats
Lives in and around rocky streams and rivers in coastal woodlands and redwood forest habitats. Newly transformed juveniles move underground for the first several years of life, until they are old enough to emerge and breed above ground.
Identification
This mostly terrestrial newt is named for the bright orange to red coloration on all of its ventral surfaces and around its mouth. It averages 5.5-7.5 inches in total length, and has long, well-developed legs with wide feet. Its body is wide, but its tail is narrow and laterally compressed. Its dorsum is uniformly dark brown, grey, or black with small bumps all over the skin. It has dark eyes that are only mildly bulging. Its skin contains a potent toxin if consumed. Larvae are aquatic.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians