Rather cute, eh? Indeed! But this rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa) could kill you. With little tiny newt nunchucks or crazy newt voodoo? No, with his potent newt toxins. But I don't hold this against him. If some sicko were to ingest this little guy (that's horrible!), the poisons could likely kill said idiot. Sometimes there is skin irritation if you pick them up, but it's still generally safe to hold them. A lot of salamanders, newts and other herps produce toxins, but not anywhere nearly as potent as these. 
We've seen a handful of them since we've been here, but this was by far the best look I've got of one. They certainly are handsome! (and cute, but I realize I overuse the word "cute" far too much. But, I can't help it, it's so descriptive and fitting for my little friends) Color Carnival, Shadow Shot, Macro Monday, Face of the Week 
47 comments:
I agree with you. They are definitely cute. I always enjoy your photography. I don't think I've ever seen one of these in person so great to see your shots of them.
Cute...interesting herp info too.. and I soak it all in...Michelle
Great shots ... I never imagined a newt could be so cute :)
Definitely cute! we have lots of newts around here, I had no idea there were other kinds and some had toxins!!! Wow.
He has my respect. I won't touch the dude.
Great close-ups. May I introduce you to the giant monitor lizards at Lumpini Park; they will make a wonderful subject for you too... have a blessed weekend!
He is kind of cute isn't he! However, I think I rather continue to view him from the photograph and not in person. =)
Totally cute. Love that soft orange belly. Is this near Eureka?
I've never seen one like this.
Beautiful photos of this lovely fellow :)
My kids had little green newts when they were younger. We handled them...never knew some were toxic. Gulp!
He is cute...no other word would fit, I agree. You did catch a great shot...love the color and lighting. I am curious where you found the little critter?
We saw this guy at the Arcata marsh. Carolyn, I wouldn't worry about handling them - just don't let the kiddos lick 'em! :) I held a rough-skinned a couple weeks ago and just made sure I washed my hands afterwards.
What an adorable creature! Such soft colours. And brilliant photos!
:oD nice photos!! I really like the second one!
Have a lovely weekend!
Bye
Dario
Grandma! What big eyes you have!
Huhu, little fellow! You are really gorgeous cute! You could have sprung straight from a storybook! A great month of May for you and pay attention to you!
for you too, my dear :))
Oh a colorful frog :) He looks happy :)
I bet he liked to meet you and be shot ;)
http://foto.rudenius.se/post/2010/05/01/Color-Carnival-e28093-In-the-Troll-Forest.aspx
I agree - very cute indeed! When I was a teenager I had red bellied newts for pets. I've always loved them :-)
Colorful little guy, isn't he! And he makes for a terrific shadow shot! Always enjoy the information you include. Hope you have a great weekend, Jill!
Sylvia
He is cute and very colorful. I guess the color says, "Hey, I'm the one your don't want to eat."
There lies his charm - cute, yes but don't mistake his looks for a cuddly pet, that could ruin our days. In our home, a furry cat is a better pet and way more cuddly...
Cools shots! :)
Got to love that sweet face, what a beautiful Newt and your images are absolutely the best~ Super series!
This newt has such a tangerine under belly! Amazing! And love the shadows that tag along with this cute little guy!
Yup, that is one cute newt!
BUT,no other, than his mother,
Would kiss that snoot!!
Happy SSS to you!
Cute definitely applies here! The colors are beautiful, too. And I had no idea about the strength of the toxins in this species. Cool info.
So cute, love his colours.
Neat series of fine photos Jill. The eyes and the orange color really makes the newt pop.
That is one amazing looking newt. Great shots, very cool!
I agree they are VERY cute!! Fabulous captures!!
A cool shot but definitely not cute in my book! * runs away* lol
Great shots of a cute (yes;-))little one with so bright color it looks almost like a rubbertoy. I love the expression in his (or her) face
I fear I suffer from the same problem - cutiephilia? But I can't fault you, he is adorable.
Yes it's cute and love the color.
He's adorable!
Love the first and second shots in particular. Yes, he looks so cute ...and as I now know, cute but deadly! :O
Aww so cute and great capture of him, nice colours too. Thanks for sharing:)
He's kinda cute in a way...
i think i would be more partial to a smooth skinned newt. lol.
wow...so colorful. I'm laughing tho, at the comment above me about her preference. LOL
My macro is one of the best things in life....my grandson's teeny tiny hand at age 1.
Stop by if you can, I'd love your company today.
Great photography. The newt's belly is such a vivid color.
They certainly are cute, that is for sure (just helping you to make sure the use of the word 'cute' is used enough, as you were saying.) ;). This is a great face, thanks so much for including it in 'Face of the Week' so we all get a good reason to smile this week. Thanks so much, appreciate it!
So adorable!!! I havent seen any newts around this area yet, but soon!
Oh my that is so pretty macro! Happy Monday!
http://manangskusina.blogspot.com/2010/05/tea-cup.html
Hmmm, so maybe cute is isn't as cute does?
As soon as I saw him I thought 'He's pretty cute, but I wonder if he's poisonous?' It's the bright colour that gives the clue, isn't it?
We don't have them here. Some of our native newts have bright orange spots or streaks, but nothing like this!
Whoever would want to try and eat such a pretty creature? Gorgeous photos!
His skin looks partially translucent. Maybe it's just how he is reflecting the light. What's the best word to describe him? Uh.. I give up. It's really hard not to use the word cute.
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