Question about Taricha coloration

[Otterwoman]

Does it mean anything that some are light brown and some are dark? For example, does it mean they came from different areas, or do they occur in various shades together where they occur?
Or maybe does it indicate age, or does it indicate nothing much?
thanks

 

[audrey]

I don't know anything scientific for you, but I read your previous post about getting some T. grans in poor condition. I have found that when I have bought T. grans that are sickly that they change color when they become healthy. I have a male that was a mustard color with pretty smooth skin and now he is dark brown with many more bumps showing.

 

[Otterwoman]

Thanks! That's interesting. I do have some other healthy ones and they vary in color too, however.
At least I think they're healthy...

 

[Kaysie]

Mine also vary in color, both between individuals and at differing times of day. I've found they can go pale or dark, depending on their 'mood'.

 

[sde]

From my few years of road hunting I have seen all different colors. Almost black, dark brown, light brown, mustard color, and even kind of golden. Their belly colors can vary a lot too. The most common color I have seen is darker brown, but the lighter ones aren't too uncommon. I rather doubt that in the wild it has to do with health, I have found very healthy looking newt that are dark brown, and very unhealthy newts that are dark brown, and both from the same area. I do wonder if it has to do with age...I have never seen a light colored morph before, so maybe the older ones are lighter? I will try to disprove that theory this fall when they cross. -Seth