Salamanders and newts often get confused as being the same amphibian, but while they share similarities, there are distinct differences between the two In this in-depth comparison article, we’ll explore what sets salamanders and newts apart.
Overview
Salamanders belong to the order Caudata while newts belong to the subfamily Pleurodelinae under the family Salamandridae. So while all newts are salamanders, not all salamanders are newts. There are over 660 salamander species and over 100 newt species found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere.
Both are amphibians, meaning they live both on land and in water. They have lizard-like appearances with slender bodies, short legs, long tails, and smooth, moist skin. As carnivores, they enjoy similar diets of worms, slugs, and insects.
However, there are key differences between the two in terms of habitat, physical features, reproduction, and more. Keep reading to learn how to tell these look-alike amphibians apart.
Habitat Differences
The main habitat difference between salamanders and newts is newts spend more time in water while salamanders prefer land.
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Newts are considered semiaquatic, living in humid environments but returning to water to breed.
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Salamanders may be fully aquatic or semiaquatic depending on species. Terrestrial salamanders live under logs or burrowed underground, only returning to water to breed.
So if you find the amphibian near a pond, stream or other water source, it’s likely a newt. Salamanders prefer damp wooded areas, forests and caves.
Physical Differences
When it comes to physical characteristics, there are a few key differences to look for:
Skin Texture
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Newts have rougher, wrinkly skin covered in warts.
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Salamanders have smooth, slimy skin that appears slippery and shiny.
The reason for the rougher skin is newts secrete toxins from their skin to deter predators. Salamanders generally aren’t toxic.
Tail and Feet
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Newts tend to have tails shaped like paddles and webbed feet for superior swimming ability.
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Salamanders have longer, more rounded tails and defined digits on their feet for walking and climbing.
Size
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Newts are generally smaller, averaging 6-10 cm in length.
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Salamanders vary greatly in size, ranging from just a few cm up to 1.8 meters in length.
Coloration
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Newts display brighter coloration like reds, oranges and yellows, signaling their toxicity.
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Salamanders are usually darker black, brown or gray to blend into their environment.
Respiration Differences
Since newts spend more time in water, they have adapted different respiratory structures than salamanders:
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Newts develop lungs as adults to breathe air but also absorb oxygen through their skin.
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Most salamanders breathe only through their skin and the tissues in their mouth and throat. Some have primitive lungs.
Reproduction Differences
When it comes to breeding, newts and salamanders differ in their egg-laying habits:
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Newts always lay their eggs in water, usually on aquatic plants. Females may lay over 300 eggs.
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Salamanders may reproduce in water or on land depending on species. Females lay between 10-60 eggs.
Behavioral Differences
Lastly, here are a few behavioral differences between the two amphibians:
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Newts are active during the day (diurnal) while salamanders are most active at night (nocturnal).
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Salamanders tend to be solitary while newts may congregate in large groups during breeding season.
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Newts migrate seasonally between aquatic and terrestrial habitats which salamanders generally don’t do.
Can Newts and Salamanders Live Together?
In captivity, housing newts and salamanders together can work but does require some special considerations.
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Newts secrete toxins so handling requires care to avoid touching eyes or ingesting any liquids. Always wash hands after.
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Their different moisture needs means providing a gradient of wet and dry areas in the habitat.
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Newts prefer cooler water while salamanders like it slightly warmer. Monitor water temperature.
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Be mindful of aggressive species that may prey on ones with weaker toxins or smaller size. Observe interactions.
Overall, with some adjustments to accommodate their different needs, newts and salamanders can coexist peacefully in a shared habitat. Just be sure to research proper care requirements for each species first.
Newts and Salamanders as Pets
Both newts and salamanders make fascinating pets for amphibian enthusiasts. Here’s a quick comparison if you’re deciding between the two:
Newts as Pets
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Require fully aquatic setup with land area and excellent filtration
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Easier to feed with readily available insect larvae and blackworms
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Interesting behaviors like tail waving and aquatic acrobatics
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Bright coloration and unique external gills as efts
Salamanders as Pets
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Easier to handle with non-toxic skin secretions
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Well suited to naturalistic paludarium setups
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Come in wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors
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Lower maintenance compared to fully aquatic newts
Either newts or salamanders can make rewarding captives. Be sure to thoroughly research species-specific care requirements first to provide a healthy home. With good husbandry, these amphibians can live over 10-15 years in captivity.
Quick ID Guide: Newt or Salamander?
Use this handy table to quickly identify if you’ve spotted a newt or a salamander:
| Newt | Salamander |
|---|---|
| Semiaquatic; found near water | Terrestrial; found on land |
| Rough, warty skin | Smooth, slimy skin |
| Bright yellows, reds, oranges | Earth tone blacks, browns, grays |
| Long paddle-shaped tail | Skinnier, rounded tail |
| Webbed feet | Toes defined |
| Develops lungs | Breathes through skin |
| Lays eggs in water | Eggs in water or on land |
| Smaller; 6-10 cm long | Varies greatly; up to 1.8 m long |
facts size .2 ounces to 140 pounds, depending on species
Salamanders tend to eat slow-moving, soft-bodied creatures such as earthworms, slugs, and snails. habitat forest, more near ponds or streams
Is a newt a salamander?
Yes, but a salamander is not always a newt. Confused? The word “salamander” is the name for an entire group, or scientific order, of amphibians that have tails as adults. This includes amphibians commonly known as newts and sirens. Most salamanders look like a cross between a lizard and a frog. They have moist, smooth skin like frogs and long tails like lizards. “Newt” is sometimes used for salamanders that spend most of each year living on land. The name “siren” is generally given to salamanders that have lungs as well as gills and never develop beyond the larval stage.
Most salamanders are small, and few species are more than 6 inches (15 centimeters) long. Sirens have only two legs, but the other salamander species develop four legs as adults, with fleshy toes at the end of each foot. Some species, like paddle-tail newts, have fully webbed feet with very short toes for their aquatic lifestyle. Those that like to dig and are less aquatic, such as the tiger salamander, have no webbing at all on their feet.
Most salamanders hatch from eggs. Female salamanders that live entirely in the water lay more eggs (up to 450) than those that spend some time on land. The California newt lays a clump of 7 to 30 eggs on underwater plants or exposed roots. The eggs are protected by a toxic, gel-like membrane. Lungless salamanders such as the spiny salamander are devoted parents that share egg-guarding duties. They curl their body around the eggs and turn them over from time to time. This protects the eggs from predators and fungal infections.
Would you want to eat something that tasted awful or hurt your mouth? Probably not! Salamanders have some special ways to keep from becoming a predator’s next meal. Most salamanders, such as the red-spotted newt, have brightly colored, poisonous skin. The bold color tells predators that the newt is not safe to eat. Many salamanders have glands on the back of the neck or on the tail. These glands can secrete a poisonous or bad-tasting liquid. Some salamanders can even shed their tail during an attack and grow a new one later.
Newt vs. Salamander – what’s the difference?
FAQ
What is the difference between newt and salamander?
What is the difference between a salamander and a newt? Many salamanders have an aquatic larval stage and a terrestrial adult stage. Newts, which are a type of salamander, have a terrestrial juvenile stage (red eft) and aquatic adult stage.
Is the axolotl a newt?
It’s hard to believe that axolotls are within the same subset of amphibians as their salamander counterparts. Appearance, anatomy, habitat – there’s much that makes them different from the likes of newts, olms, and fire salamanders, and it’s very easy to see why they’re colloquially known as ‘walking fish’.
Are newts ok to touch?
Newts are one of five salamander species found in the state. They are also called gold belly newts. Glands in the skin of these newts produce a highly toxic poison (tetrodotoxin) which makes the animal dangerous to handle and deadly to eat.
Does a newt have 4 legs?
Newts are curious amphibians with four legs, long, streamlined bodies and lidded eyes. They often have remarkable crests and unique markings which make them interesting creatures to spot and study.
What is the difference between a newt and a salamander?
Newts and salamanders are two types of amphibians that share numerous characteristics both in behavior and appearance. For example, newts and salamanders have elongated bodies with long tails that resemble lizards. Both newts and salamanders have exceptional regeneration abilities where they can regrow body parts that they have lost.
What does a salamander look like?
It has “very rough” skin and “knob-like warts” along its body. Photos show the newfound salamander species. Its body is earthy brown with orange markings along its head and orange-brown warts down its back and sides. Its tail fades from brown at the base to yellow-orange at the tip.
Are newts amphibians or salamanders?
Newts and salamanders are both amphibians. They both have long tails, and vaguely resemble lizards. So what are the differences between them?