Notophthalmus is a genus of small, aquatic salamanders belonging to the family Salamandridae. These amphibians are commonly known as newts and are native to North America. The term "notophthalmus" is derived from Greek roots, with "noto-" meaning "back" or "spine," and "ophthalmus" referring to "eye." This name likely refers to their distinctive colored eyes or eye-like markings present on their bodies.
Notophthalmus newts typically have slender bodies with smooth skin, making them well-adapted for an aquatic lifestyle. They possess four limbs and a long tail, which aids in their locomotion and swimming abilities. One distinguishing characteristic of these newts is their ability to regenerate damaged or lost body parts, including limbs and internal organs.
These amphibians commonly inhabit freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They are mainly active during the night, foraging for small invertebrates, insects, and other aquatic organisms. Notophthalmus newts are well-known for their vibrant colors, featuring various shades of bright orange, red, and yellow, which serve as a warning to potential predators that they are toxic and unpalatable.
Breeding occurs during the spring and summer months, where the courtship ritual involves males performing an elaborate swimming dance to attract females. The female lays her eggs on submerged vegetation or other submerged objects, with the eggs hatching into aquatic larvae that later transform into terrestrial juvenile newts.
In summary, Notophthalmus refers to a genus of small, brightly colored, and toxic aquatic salamanders commonly known as newts that are native to North America.
