Neurergus crocatus | |
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Scientific classification
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Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Urodela |
Family: | Salamandridae |
Genus: | Neurergus |
Species: | N. crocatus
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Binomial name | |
Neurergus crocatus |
Neurergus crocatus, the yellow-spotted newt, [3] Azerbaijan newt, Azerbaijan mountain newt, mountain newt, or Lake Urmia newt, is a species of salamander in the family Salamandridae. It occurs in the mountains west of Lake Urmia, in northwestern Iran, northeastern Iraq, and southeastern Turkey. [1] [4] [5] [a]
Neurergus crocatus grow to about 16–18 cm (6.3–7.1 in) in total length; the tail is longer than the body (i.e., tail length> snout–vent length). The head is flattened and longer than it is wide. The snout is rounded. The body is slender and almost round, without a dorsal ridge. The tail is rounded at the base and laterally compressed towards its tip. The tail has moderately developed dorsal and ventral fins. The limbs are well-developed; the digits are thick and flat. Colouration is dorsally dark brown to black with yellow, rounded but somewhat irregular blotches; these continue on the tail. The ventral surfaces are orange-red in males and yellowish in females. [5] They can live for between 12-15 years in captivity, and usually reach sexual maturity in four years. [6] [7]
Neurergus crocatus breed in montane streams at elevations of 1,500–2,000 m (4,900–6,600 ft) above sea level; after the breeding season, adults disperse to the surrounding areas, but their specific microhabitats are unknown. This species is probably threatened by habitat loss, caused by for example new dams. [1]