Are Rough-Skinned Newts more poisonous than Poison Dart Frogs? What about California Newts?
Rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) are considered to be one of the most toxic amphibians in North America, and their skin secretion contains a potent neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, which is similar to the toxin found in pufferfish. On the other hand, poison dart frogs (Dendrobatidae) are known for their bright coloration, which serves as a warning to predators that they are toxic. However, not all poison dart frogs are equally toxic, and some species are not toxic at all.

In terms of toxicity, it is generally accepted that rough-skinned newts are more poisonous than most species of poison dart frogs. According to some sources, the toxicity of rough-skinned newts is about 10 times greater than that of poison dart frogs.

California newts (Taricha torosa) are also toxic and contain tetrodotoxin in their skin secretions, but they are not as toxic as rough-skinned newts. Their toxicity is similar to that of some poison dart frog species, but again, not all poison dart frogs are equally toxic.
where are rough skin newts found and what are visual descriptions of both?
Rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) are found in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including parts of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. They inhabit a variety of aquatic habitats, such as lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands, and can also be found in forests and other wooded areas.

In terms of visual description, rough-skinned newts are typically brown or olive-green in color on their back and sides, with a yellow or orange belly. They have a rough, granulated skin, which gives them their name, and their skin is often covered with small warts or bumps. They have a flattened head with small eyes, and their tail is relatively short compared to other newt species.

California newts (Taricha torosa) are also found in the western United States, primarily in California. They are similar in appearance to rough-skinned newts, but their coloration is generally more uniform and can range from brown to dark olive-green. Their skin is also rough and granulated, and they have a yellow or orange belly. However, California newts have a longer tail compared to rough-skinned newts, and their eyes are larger in proportion to their head.

Both rough-skinned newts and California newts have the ability to produce toxic secretions from their skin, which can act as a defense mechanism against predators. It's important to note that these newts should not be handled or ingested, as their toxins can be harmful to humans and other animals.