Spotted Paddle-Tail Newt
Encyclopedia
The Spotted Paddle-tail Newt (Pachytriton brevipes) is an amphibian
native to southeastern China
and was named in 1876. A member of the family Salamandridae
, it is closely related to the spotless paddle-tail newt
(Pachytriton labiatus). The spotted paddle-tail newt lives in streams and is characterized by its long, paddle-shaped tail used for propulsion
.
newts. Their heads are large and flattened, have conspicuous labial
folds, short stubby legs and toes. They breathe through both lungs and skin.
There are two Pachytriton species: Pachytriton brevipes and Pachytriton labiatus. Average adult length (nose to tail) for both species is 6-7 inches (15-18 cm). P. brevipes is the larger of the two, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 inches as an adult. It also has more prominent labial folds and longer digits than those of P. labiata. Both species have smooth skin, which differs from the tuberculate skin typical of newts.
The most striking difference between the two species is color. The head, back, and tail of P. brevipes range in color from light brown to a dark chocolate brown and are covered in dark spots. The underbelly color varies considerably, from a very light brown to a solid black. Breeding males may develop bluish-white spots on the tail.
behavior. This behavior is seen mainly in males, but occasionally in females as well.
P. brevipes is an aggressive hunter and feeder. It is carnivorous and will eat worms, insects, and small fish.
The breeding behavior of P. brevipes is unknown.
streams of southeastern China, and it thrives in cool, clean water high in oxygen
. Current distribution is shrinking, most likely due to pollution and to human encroachment on habitat. P. brevipes is almost exclusively aquatic, though it will leave the water if bullied by a more aggressive individual.
Amphibian
Amphibians , are a class of vertebrate animals including animals such as toads, frogs, caecilians, and salamanders. They are characterized as non-amniote ectothermic tetrapods...
native to southeastern China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
and was named in 1876. A member of the family Salamandridae
Salamandridae
Salamandridae is a family of salamanders consisting of true salamanders and newts. Currently, 74 species have been identified in the northern hemisphere - Europe, Asia, the northern tip of Africa and North America...
, it is closely related to the spotless paddle-tail newt
Paddle-Tail Newt
The Paddletail Newt is a species of newt, sometimes sold as a household pet. They are found in China.- Description :Paddletail Newts are characterized by a flat body and a long, paddle-like tail. They range from black to brown to pale brown. They have orange markings along the bottom of their body...
(Pachytriton labiatus). The spotted paddle-tail newt lives in streams and is characterized by its long, paddle-shaped tail used for propulsion
Marine propulsion
Marine propulsion is the mechanism or system used to generate thrust to move a ship or boat across water. While paddles and sails are still used on some smaller boats, most modern ships are propelled by mechanical systems consisting a motor or engine turning a propeller, or less frequently, in jet...
.
Description
Pachytritons are stout-bodied, smooth-skinned aquaticAquatic animal
An aquatic animal is an animal, either vertebrate or invertebrate, which lives in water for most or all of its life. It may breathe air or extract its oxygen from that dissolved in water through specialised organs called gills, or directly through its skin. Natural environments and the animals that...
newts. Their heads are large and flattened, have conspicuous labial
Labial
Labial may refer to:*the lips*the labia *In linguistics, a labial consonant*In zoology, the labial scales...
folds, short stubby legs and toes. They breathe through both lungs and skin.
There are two Pachytriton species: Pachytriton brevipes and Pachytriton labiatus. Average adult length (nose to tail) for both species is 6-7 inches (15-18 cm). P. brevipes is the larger of the two, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 inches as an adult. It also has more prominent labial folds and longer digits than those of P. labiata. Both species have smooth skin, which differs from the tuberculate skin typical of newts.
The most striking difference between the two species is color. The head, back, and tail of P. brevipes range in color from light brown to a dark chocolate brown and are covered in dark spots. The underbelly color varies considerably, from a very light brown to a solid black. Breeding males may develop bluish-white spots on the tail.
Behavior
Species of Pachytriton are known for their aggressive and territorialTerritory (animal)
In ethology the term territory refers to any sociographical area that an animal of a particular species consistently defends against conspecifics...
behavior. This behavior is seen mainly in males, but occasionally in females as well.
P. brevipes is an aggressive hunter and feeder. It is carnivorous and will eat worms, insects, and small fish.
The breeding behavior of P. brevipes is unknown.
Ecology
P. brevipes is native to the freshwaterFreshwater
Fresh water is naturally occurring water on the Earth's surface in ice sheets, ice caps, glaciers, bogs, ponds, lakes, rivers and streams, and underground as groundwater in aquifers and underground streams. Fresh water is generally characterized by having low concentrations of dissolved salts and...
streams of southeastern China, and it thrives in cool, clean water high in oxygen
Oxygen
Oxygen is the element with atomic number 8 and represented by the symbol O. Its name derives from the Greek roots ὀξύς and -γενής , because at the time of naming, it was mistakenly thought that all acids required oxygen in their composition...
. Current distribution is shrinking, most likely due to pollution and to human encroachment on habitat. P. brevipes is almost exclusively aquatic, though it will leave the water if bullied by a more aggressive individual.