Gatitos y Mas Gatitos

May 29

Hong Kong Newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis)

… the only species of salamander found in Hong Kong. Once thought to be endemic to the territory, the species has also been found in the coastal parts of Guangdong Province, China. The newt is treated by some naturalists as a sub-species of Chinese Warty Newt (Paramesotriton chinensis). However, some disagree such a classification based on the disjunctive distribution of the two, and the differences in their physical appearance and habitat preference.

The snout-to-tail length of the newt is about 11 to 15 cm. The body colour ranges from light brown to dark brown. Small granules can be found throughout the body. The head is roughly triangular. The eyes have horizontal pupils. When threatened it releases a toxic secretion and may also feign death, rolling onto its back and exposing its brightly coloured belly.

In the breeding season the male displays by beating its tail which develops a white or bluish stripe which is visible in dim light. Sperm is transferred to the female in a spermatophore (sperm packet deposited on the substrata). Eggs are laid singly and are wrapped in leaves…

(read more: Wikipedia) (photo:T - Drow Male | Wikimedia; B - Thomas Brown)