Category: Amphibians
Also called red-spotted newts, these beautiful amphibians reside in lakes, ponds, streams, or nearby wet forests. They are common aquarium pets and can live as long as 15 years! They have a varied diet that includes insects, small mollusks and crustaceans, young amphibians, worms and frog eggs. (US)
Learn more about the Eastern Newt at Wikipedia and Reptiles Magazine.
Swiss Army Skin
Amphibian skin is not covered in hair, feathers, or scales. It is thin and permeable, which allows them to actually breathe and drink through their skin! Their skin is not watertight, but they have mucous glands that produce secretions to help keep them from drying out Their skin also serves as a handy defense mechanism: nearly all amphibians have poison glands that make their skin toxic - and on top of that, it can even serve as a tasty treat after they shed it (yes, many amphibians eat their own sloughed off skin)!
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