Common name : Texas newt
Scientific name : Notophthalmus meridionalis
Family : Salamandridae
Native to : North-Eastern Mexico and Southern Texas
Interesting fact : They expose their orange bellies when threatened to warn predators
Conservation status : Endangered
The newt is quite stylish with its smooth, silver or green body covered in black or yellow spots. The orange colour of the belly sometimes spreads to its sides too adding to its looks. Its skin produces toxin to ward off predators.They are quite shy hiding under debris and inside thorny scrubs near streams and ponds.