Strauch's Spotted Newt

Strauch's spotted newt lives in rocky mountain streams and surrounding land in eastern Turkey. Bright yellow dots cover a black, slender body; the belly is mostly black with a narrow orange center line. Breeding males can show blue-white tail highlights. Females place eggs beneath submerged rocks. Specialist breeders use clean, cool water, rock shelters and seasonal cooling. Its narrow body and belly stripe differ from the more robust Lake Urmia newt. US injurious-salamander restrictions apply.