| EMPEROR NEWT |
| Tylototriton shanjing |
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Range:
|
China, Yunnan Province. |
 The bright orange spots on this newt mark the location of poison glands beneath its skin. The animal can trigger the release of a toxic chemical by expanding its rib cage. This dissuades most potential predators.
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| Habitat: |
Small pools in cool woodlands and forests near slow-moving water. |
| Diet: |
Earthworms, centipedes, snails, and other small invertebrates. |
| Status: |
Near threatened. |
| Approximate Dimensions of Adult: |
Length: 4.5 to 6 inches. |
| Lifespan: |
Unknown. |
| Reproduction & Offspring: |
The emperor newt mates in rice paddies and marshes during the rainy season. The male helps the female onto his back, and then deposits a sperm packet, which the female collects. She lays 50 to 100 eggs, which become attached to nearby vegetation. |
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