Difference between P. chinensis and P. fuzongensis?

[firedreams]

Hi all,

I recently acquired a pair of Paramesotriton from a fellow newt enthusiast, and was told that they are Fuzong Warty Newts. I have been keeping several P. chinensis for the past 5 years or so, and I must admit that these 2 newts do not look that much different. I was wondering if anyone could tell me a) if the newts in the attached pic are in fact Fuzongs and if so, b) what are the distinguishing traits?

Thanks!

 

[froggy]

They look more like the light form of P. 'chinensis' to me. P. fuzhongensis has more profuse, pointed warts and a more angular snout (your animals have a more rounded face, in profile, and the warts are rounded and mainly limited to the flanks). The background colour is also a warmer brown, rather than the yellow-green-brown colour of these animals. The yellow spots that I (think I) can see around the limb bases on these animals are also indicative of 'chinensis'. The problem with this group is that there are many species and many undescribed species, most of which seem highly limited in distribution. Given that collection locality is unknown for pet-trade specimens, it is possible that these are from a scientifically unsampled population. Even the animals widely thought of as 'fuzhongnesis' in captivity may well be something else - when most were imported none of the new species had been described and animals were referred to the closest known species, the only images of which in the original description are black-and-white photos of long-preserved specimens.

Perhaps FrogEyes can help with any recent diagnostic characters between known species, as P. fuzhongensis is only diagnosed in relation to P. guangxiensis in the original description.

I'm sorry this can't be more definate!

Chris

 

[richard kingham]

Nice animals, I think like Chris says Paramesotriton chinensis

 

[firedreams]

Thanks to both of you! I also had a feeling they were P. Chinensis, but just wanted some backup!