Pleurodeles – Ribbed newts
When seized, the push ribs out through skin giving them their name
Members in this genus have sturdy bodies and rough, gray-brown skin that is spotted with dark patches. On each side of the body is a row of orange wart-like markings.
They inhabit aquatic environments with much vegetation and shallow, slowly moving water. Their lengthy tails, which are longer in the males than the females and contain a narrow fin, are ideally suited for swimming. Additionally, they have abnormally long forelimbs compared to the rest of their bodies.
Females have giant broad heads with an overall stockier build, especially when they are full of eggs. The ribbed newt is one of the largest newts on the planet and the largest in Europe.
Species in this genus
Spanish ribbed newt
When attacked, the Spanish ribbed newt pushes out its ribs until they pierce through its body!
