Neurergus

Neurergus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Urodela
Family:	Salamandridae
Subfamily:	Pleurodelinae
Genus:	Neurergus Cope, 1862

Neurergus is a genus of salamanders, more specifically newts, in the family Salamandridae. They are found in the Middle East (predominantly in Turkey and Iran), 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.^[1]

Morphology[]

Generally, Neurergus species are dark-colored (brown to black) 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.^[2] It contains these species:^[3]

Image	Scientific Name	Distribution
	Öz, 1994	Turkey
	Neurergus crocatus Cope, 1862	Iran, Iraq, and Turkey.
	Neurergus derjugini (Nesterov, 1916)	Iran, possibly Iraq, and possibly Turkey.
	Neurergus kaiseri Schmidt, 1952	southern Zagros Mountains in Iran
	Neurergus strauchii (Steindachner, 1887)	Turkey

References[]

External links[]

• "Neurergus Cope, 1862" Salamanders of the Old World,
• "Neurergus (Cope, 1862)" Living Under World.Org, A Web Project about Amphibians
• "Neurergus kaiseri" photographs of Neurergus kaiseri

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