Class Mascot Nomination: Eastern Newt (Notopthalamus viridescens)

    The Eastern Newt, who we saw at Caw Caw Interpretive Center, is genuinely a fascinating specimen who I think is more than qualified to be our class mascot! As the only newt in South Carolina, they deserve some recognition. Although they are one of the widest-ranging salamanders in the U.S., SC is the only state with 3 of the 4 Eastern newt subspecies: Notopthalamus viridescens viridescens, Notopthalamus viridescens dorsalis, Notopthalamus viridescens louisianensis. Why wouldn't we brag about this?

My personal favorite, the Broken-Striped Newt (Notopthalamus viridescens dorsalis)
in the terrestrial eft stage

    If that alone doesn't convince you, consider their uniqueness even within the novelty of the order Caudata. As we know, Eastern Newts have a triphasic life cycle in which they go from aquatic larvae to terrestrial eft, then to an aquatic breeding adult. In the terrestrial eft, their skin becomes keratinous- which only newts can do. Further, Eastern Newts are highly toxic, especially in the eft stage. They secrete a neurochemical substance known as tetrodotoxin from the bumps seen on their skin- which is the same toxin found in pufferfish. This toxin is what you could call a bioweapon, even...so awesome! The eft's striking bright coloration is worthy of admiring. Additionally, the aquatic adults are quite eye-catching as well. They are lovely olive green, and males have fancy ribboned tails. As part of the Family Salimandridae, they are also capable of creating neotenic adults, but this is apparently rare and frequency can depend on subspecies. 

An attractive breeding adult male nominate Eastern Newt
 (Notopthalamus viridescens viridescens)

The belly of a breeding adult (super cute!)

    Anyhow, the Eastern Newt is a super cool animal and worthy of being the class mascot. I hope this information sparked your passion for newts!