Japanese newt

Japanese: ニホンイモリ（英語表記）Japanese newt

A typical newt of the Trituridae family (illustration). Found in Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Osumi Islands, it is 8-13cm long and females are larger. It has local names such as Akahara, which comes from its red underside. It has a lizard-like body with well-developed limbs and tail, with the tail making up almost half of its total length. Both the head and torso are slightly flattened, and the tail is laterally compressed for swimming. Its skin is densely covered with granular protuberances, and it has well-developed ear glands behind the eyes that secrete a weakly toxic liquid for self-defense, and the bright crimson color of its underside is effective as a sign.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

イモリ科イモリ属の代表的なイモリ（イラスト）。本州，四国，九州および大隅諸島などに分布し，全長8～13cm，雌のほうが大きい。赤い腹面に由来するアカハラなどの地方名がある。体型はトカゲ形で四肢と尾が発達し，尾は全長のほぼ1/2を占める。頭部，胴部ともにやや扁平で，尾は側扁して遊泳に適する。皮膚には顆粒（かりゆう）状の隆起が密に分布し，眼の後方には弱毒性の液を分泌する自衛用の耳腺が発達しており，腹面の鮮やかな赤紅色が標識色として効力を発揮する。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

<<: Japanese Verse Theory - Nihoninbunron

>>: Japanese History - Nihon Isshi