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Red-spotted Newt
Notophthalmus viridescens
Image by Kimberly Scott
Description
A salamander with a remarkable life cycle: an olive, aquatic adult ringed with red spots, and a bright orange land-dwelling juvenile called a red eft. Rough-skinned and mildly toxic.
Stats
Size
3 – 4 inches
Status
Common
Similar Species
None
Diet
Earthworms, crustaceans, young amphibians, and insects. Aquatic newts consume amphibian eggs.
Habitat
Woodland forests of both high and lowlands with temporary or permanent or ponds or other wetlands
Reproduction
During mating season, males develop a swollen glands, thick back legs with thick, black ridges on the inside of the back legs. Aquatic adults have lungs and lack gills.
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