The fascinating defense of the Iberian newt

I am always fascinated to read about interesting ways animals have evolved to defend themselves. I thought I had heard it all, until this week I learned about the Iberian newt.

 

The Iberian newt lives on the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. It has little ports along its sides (tubercules), and very sharp, pointed ribs. When threatened, the Iberian newt will stick its sharp ribs out through the holes, puncturing its own side, in order to present a very pointy mouthful to any would-be predator.

 

As if that weren't enough, at the same time, the newt begins to pump out a toxin from glands alongside the holes. This toxin coats the ribs as they push through, adding a coat of poison to the improvised weapons. The toxin causes a stinging sensation, making it even more likely the newt will be dropped after jabbing its predator in the mouth.

 

The newt is able to heal its own puncture wounds quickly, thanks to a super-efficient immune system. And because the ribs are coated with collagen, the wounds are less likely to become infected. 

 

As a side note, because of its healing ability and several other factors - including the female's ability to retain sperm, and thus fertilize herself up to five months after insemination - the Iberian newt has proven to be a popular item for space travel. Iberian newts have gone into space to be studied in a zero gravity environment on at least six missions, possibly more.