← Herp Calendar map
Salamanders
California Newt
Taricha torosa
Across the regions where it's common, the California Newt peaks from November to June.
Shows up in 5 ecoregions and 1 state
Keep Herp Calendar free
Hi, I'm Nick. I built Herp Calendar on my own and I keep it free, with no ads. If it has helped you find a herp this season, a small tip goes straight into the hosting and the data work. Only if you can spare it. Either way, I'm glad you're here.
Salamanders
California Newt
Taricha torosa
Look, don't take. Many states regulate collecting reptiles and amphibians. Photograph it, log it on iNaturalist and leave it where you found it.
Description
The California newt or orange-bellied newt (Taricha torosa), is a species of newt endemic to California, in the Western United States. It is very similar in appearance to the rough-skinned newt and they are often indistinguishable without dissection, but in general, the California newt has orange skin around the bottom of its eye while the Rough-skinned has gray skin at the bottom of its eye.Wikipedia ↗
Habitat
California newts reside in the coastal counties of California and in the southern and central Sierra Nevada and occupy a diverse array of habitats found near the small ponds and creeks where they breed, including woodlands and chaparral. Its adult length can range from 5 to 8 in (13 to 20 cm).Wikipedia ↗
When it's active
Adult newts typically leave the pools shortly after breeding has concluded, however, some adults may remain in the pools for an additional few months to feed. Larvae hatch sometime in early to midsummer, depending on local water temperature.Wikipedia ↗

When and where it's active
Each row is its own calendar, counted from records in that area. Seasons shift by place.
PeakShoulderQuiet
Ecoregions
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
California Coast Ranges and FoothillsPacific Northwest CoastSouthern California CoastSouthern California MountainsSierra NevadaStates
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
CaliforniaAbout the California Newt
When is the California Newt most active?
Across the regions where it's common, the California Newt peaks from November to June.
Where does the California Newt live?
It has enough records to show in 5 ecoregions and 1 states, including California.