How do newts change color?

Newts, like many amphibians, can change their skin color through a process called chromatophore expansion and contraction. Chromatophores are specialized cells in the skin that contain pigments, which give the newt its color.

When a newt wants to change color, it sends signals to its chromatophores. These signals cause the chromatophores to either expand or contract, which changes the amount of pigment that is exposed on the skin's surface. When the chromatophores expand, more pigment is exposed, and the newt's skin becomes darker. When the chromatophores contract, less pigment is exposed, and the newt's skin becomes lighter.

Newts may change color for various reasons, such as camouflage, communication, and courtship. For example, some newts change color to blend in with their surroundings, making it more difficult for predators to spot them. Others use color changes to communicate with each other, such as signaling their readiness to mate.

The process of color change in newts is controlled by the nervous system and hormones. When the newt wants to change color, its nervous system sends signals to the chromatophores, which then expand or contract accordingly. Hormones can also influence color change, such as the release of adrenaline during a stressful situation.