amphibian · GBIF taxon 5218390
Red-spotted Newt
Notophthalmus viridescensAlso known as Eastern Newt, Red Eft, Eastern Red-spotted Newt
Red-spotted newts lead a fascinating three-stage life, transforming from aquatic gilled larvae into bright orange, land-dwelling red efts before returning to the water as olive-green breeding adults. During their terrestrial eft stage, which can last up to seven years, their brilliant coloration warns predators of the potent tetrodotoxin in their skin. Once they mature into aquatic adults, they develop a paddle-like tail and navigate ponds and slow-moving streams to hunt and mate.
AmphibianToxicMetamorphosing
- diet
- Carnivorous, eating insects, worms, snails, and small crustaceans
- family
- Salamandridae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, water pollution, and chytrid fungus
- life Span
- 12 to 15 years
LC
Skin secretions contain tetrodotoxin; wash hands thoroughly after handling and never ingest.
- Handle with care: Wet your hands before touching them to protect their sensitive, permeable skin from oils and salts.
- Watch the forest floor: Look for bright orange efts crawling among damp leaf litter after warm summer rains.
- Observe quietly: Watch aquatic adults in shallow pond margins as they float near the surface to breathe.