Yesterday someone asked and commented about the taxonomic placement of newts. While I am not an expert, I am a field biologist and I was dismayed at the writers' comments that she thought a newt was a lizard.(I deleted the original message or I would refer more specifically) Newts are in fact, amphibians and I searched out a very descriptive and very appropriate description in my `Peterson's Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians',(Stebbins,1985, pg 40) and I quote, " The poisonous properties of newts are not confined to their skin secretions but are widespread throughout the body and can cause death in most vertebrates, including man, if newt tissue is eaten in sufficient quantity. Newts can be handled without danger, but wash your hands after doing so. When a newt is slapped on the back or seized, it assumes a characteristic sway-backed defense pose with the eyes closed, head and tail bent upward, limbs extended, and toes flexed. Thsi brings the bright color of the ventral surface into view and probably serves as a warning to potential predators." I don't know what the rest of the list thinks, but there is a wealth of pertinent information contained in this passage. Tim Aydelott [log in to unmask]