Chinese Fire Belly Newt

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Chinese Fire Belly Newt
Conservation status
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Amphibia Order: Caudata Family: Salamandridae Genus: Cynops Species: C. orientalis
Binomial name
Cynops orientalis (David, 1873)

The Chinese Fire Belly Newt (Cynops orientalis) is a common newt often seen in many pet stores. It is commonly confused with the Japanese Fire Belly Newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) due to similarities in coloring and size. They make a good choice for the beginner amphibian keeper, as they are hardy and relatively easy to care for. These newts have a fiery orange underbelly to warn prey they are poisonous. Chinese Firebelly Newts are mildly poisonous and excrete toxins through their skin. It is not dangerous to humans but before and after handling them you should always wash your hands. Fire Belly Newts have a brown or black back, tail and head.

In the year 1008 AD, a Chinese author mentioned that a small black salamander could be found in the water weeds in pools on the Mou prairie. This animal had a head like a lizard and a dark red underside, four feet and five toes in paler colors. Without a doubt, this passage describes the same species that we call Cynops orientalis today.

Furthermore, this author stated that these salamanders were cultivated in the sublime lake of Tien-tse at the summit of Mount Luchan around the same time. There, they were thought to be the sons of the celestial dragon. Local peasants believed they had the power to bring rain.

[edit] References

• Huiqing & Baorong (2004). Cynops orientalis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
• Chang, Mangven L. Y. 1936. Contribution à l'étude Morphologique, Biologique et systématique des Amphibiens urodèles de la Chine. Libraire Picart, Paris, 156 p.