Neurergus


Neurergus is a genus of salamanders, more specifically newts, in the family Salamandridae. They are found in the Middle East, and are kept and bred in captivity for their bright colors. In nature, they inhabit streams and small rivers, and the surrounding forests or shrublands. All of the Neurergus are considered threatened species, primarily due to destruction of habitat and overcollection for the pet trade.

Morphology

Generally, Neurergus species are dark-colored above, with a pattern of white to yellow to orange spots and lines. On their ventral sides, the lighter color of their spots becomes a solid color. Like most salamanders, they have five toes on their hind feet.

Species

Studies have demonstrated the genus Neurergus is monophyletic, containing these species:
ImageScientific nameCommon nameConservation statusDistribution
Neurergus barani Öz, 1994-none- Turkey
Neurergus crocatus Cope, 1862Azerbaijan newt
Lake Urmia newt
Yellow spotted newt
Iran, Iraq, and Turkey.
Neurergus derjugini Kurdistan newt Iran, possibly Iraq, and possibly Turkey.
Neurergus kaiseri Schmidt, 1952Luristan newt
Kaiser's mountain newt
Southern Zagros Mountains in Iran
Neurergus strauchii Strauch's spotted newt
Anatolia newt
Turkey

Intrinsic Phylogeny

Intrinsic phylogeny tree of genus Neurergus.