Posted by Sandy Becker on October 24, 2006

Q: Hi, I found this baby salamander in our gas tank holding area along with a ton of others which were dead and half eaten. I got this fella out and he didnt look like he was going to make it as he was very dry but I brought him inside, made him a home and he immediately gobbled up 2 baby worms. I am used to keeping reptiles etc and always have food on hand so it is no trouble at all. The question I have is what species is he? His under belly is a bright red colour but could be related to his age? I took a photo of him to help:

www.freespiritdesign.net

I am currently living in the Rheinland Pfalz area in Germany.

Habitat: suburban/yard

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: Thanks so much for including a photo - it has helped but still leaves me uncertain. I haven't been able to find your specific animal in any of the references I have here in the states. I do believe your animal is a newt but I can't be sure which one. There is a book on European salamanders/newts that should help you identify your animal conclusively. See if you can find "The Newts and Salamanders of Europe", Richard A. Griffiths, Princeton University Press

Glad to see you were able to rescue this little guy and that it is eating. Sad to hear so many others didn't make it. Can you cover that tank in some way so others don't meet the same fate? Keep in mind that with winter coming on, it won't be easy to allow your newt to be dormant until spring so you may want to release it until then. Oh by the way, that "stiffening" your little guy does is a defensive response and is common to newts - nothing unusual.

Sorry we can't nail this for you but I hope you'll be able to figure out what you have. My best to you and thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( October 25, 2006)