This is weird? Are my T. gransulosa actually T. torosa?

[sde]

Hi guys.


So I have what I have always thought to be T. granulosa, but according to this book I have ( maybe more than one ) granulosa are supposed to have their eyes in, so that they do not obscure the shape of the head. But my newt looks like it kind of does. I have only checked on one, my biggest female, but it is kind of confusing me. I think that I am too far north for it to be torosa, but I am not sure. Here is a range map for torosa:

I am in Washington, so I guess its kind of out of question, but it just kind of worries me. Is it possible there could be a separate population? I just want to provide the proper care you know?

Here is a picture of my newts, sorry, not a very good one, but its all I have right now.





Any thoughts? -Seth

 

[Chinadog]

Its hard to see their eyes in that photo, but i'd guess granulosa. If they were T. torosa, I think you would be struggling to get them to accept living aquatically as torosa only enter the ponds for a short period to breed. T. granulosa on the other hand, can be found naturally living 100% aquatic in some parts of their range.
Lets see a close up of their heads from above and we should be abe to work it out?

 

[sde]

The ones here are only aquatic for the breeding season, maybe a bit after too. I will see if I can get a picture in soon. Tomorrow maybe. Nope, just got some, here they are!

The first two are of on female, and the second two of another female.

 

[Otterwoman]

It is actually very difficult to tell them apart, an issue which has been discussed in the forum before. If you got them in WA they are certainly granulosa.

 

[sde]

I guess it was kind of a stupid question, since Torosa only live in California, but you never know. I just wanted to be extra careful, cause I don't want to take care of them the wrong way.

Thanks guys. I should look into that thread, it would be an interesting read. -Seth