look closely in the streams....

You will need to look carefully, as these adorable creatures are less than 1cm long.

These are the young of the Hong Kong Newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis). Other Common Names include: Hong Kong Warty Newt, Ridge Back Newt, or Giant Firebelly.

The picture below gives you an idea of scale...on the muddy bottom.

Hong Kong newts breed in streams and pools during the wintery season from September to March. The larvae - ie baby newts - seen here, have feathery gills, which disappear after they turn into adults. adult pictured with its fire red belly, to warn of its poisonous skin.

As we move into spring newly hatched and emerging animals will be appearing everywhere, so sign up and check back for future baby posts!