California newts produce tetrodotoxin — the same neurotoxin found in pufferfish — as a defense against predators. Their bright orange undersides serve as a warning, while their rough brown backs help them blend into the leaf litter and streams of coastal California. I came across this one years ago in Point Reyes National Seashore north of San Francisco. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (with Canon 500D close up filter) ISO 800, f/3.5 at 1/160th of a second.
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California newts produce tetrodotoxin — the same neurotoxin found in pufferfish — as a defense against predators. Their bright orange undersides serve as a warning, while their rough brown backs help them blend into the leaf litter and streams of coastal California. I came across this one years ago in Point Reyes National Seashore north of San Francisco. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (with Canon 500D close up filter) ISO 800, f/3.5 at 1/160th of a second.