What in the world is an Ensatina?

[woodsorrel]

Things seem a little slow on the forum, so I thought I'd share a day hike I did this weekend.

When people think herpetology, they immediately picture snakes. But there are many spectacular herps in the world that are not snakes.

This article talks about finding these amazing creatures:

What in the World is an Ensatina?

What interesting non-snake herps do you find in your area?

- Woodsorrel

 

[Janne]

Is that a kind of salamander/ newt?

 

[woodsorrel]

Janne, the article tells all.

Yes, the Ensatina is a type of Salamander. I had seen it before, but I did not understanding what I was seeing until the leader of the outing explained it. And I certainly did not know about the poison it can shoot (as c_claycomb mentions below, excrete is the proper word) from its tail.

- Woodsorrel

 

[C_Claycomb]

"Shoot" might be a slight exaggeration, the article makes it sound more like "excrete".

I found what I think was a Smooth Newt under a stump in Leicestershire. Seen a number of frogs and toads in that area as well. I don't think I have ever seen any amphibians out and about in Hertfordshire. They must be around, but I don't spend enough time near water.

 

[Toddy]

My garden ponds are full of newts. We have frogs and toads too, but then we live alongside a burn and a strip of woodland.
I have to be careful when moving heavy pots in the garden, the newts like to coorie down under them.

This is one on a slate coaster

....and this was photographed in the front pond.

 

[Broch]

It always amazes me how far from water I find these things (newts, frogs and toads) here in the UK. OK, the land is 'damp' most of the year but I find newts a Km away from the nearest pond or running water and frogs even further out of breeding season.

 

[Janne]

Sorry, did not see it eas a link!

Interesting what they have in North America. I think we are blessed with different species in Europe?
Salamanders are weird creatures. And in decline.

 

[woodsorrel]

"Shoot" might be a slight exaggeration, the article makes it sound more like "excrete".

I found what I think was a Smooth Newt under a stump in Leicestershire. Seen a number of frogs and toads in that area as well. I don't think I have ever seen any amphibians out and about in Hertfordshire. They must be around, but I don't spend enough time near water.

C_Claycomb, I agree that "excrete" is a much better word than "shoot."

- Woodsorrel

 

[woodsorrel]

Toddy, thanks for sharing those great pictures. Does the orange stripe down the back of the slate coaster serve as a warning?

- Woodsorrel

 

[Toddy]

Toddy, thanks for sharing those great pictures. Does the orange stripe down the back of the slate coaster serve as a warning?

- Woodsorrel

If you're not looking closely at them, you wouldn't even notice the stripe. They are incredibly well camouflaged, and they 'freeze', and are really un-noticeable until you've kind of got your eye in for them.

Pretty sure our newts are harmless unlike the one in your photo.

M