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Eastern Newt (Red Eft) - Notophthalmus viridescens
The red eft has bright orange aposematic coloring, with darker red spots outlined in black. This stage can last up to 4 years on land, during which time efts may travel far, which ensures outcrossing in the population. Efts eat small insects, snails, and other small arthropods. During winter, they hibernate under logs or rocks.
Habitat: Deciduous forest
The eastern newt or red-spotted newt is a common salamander of eastern North America. Eastern newts dwell in wet forests with small lakes or ponds. They can coexist in an aquatic environment with small, non-carnivorous fish, however, their skin secretes a poisonous substance when the newt is threatened or injured. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years in the wild, and may grow to 5 inches in length.
comments (6)
Posted 6 years ago
I definitely wouldn't find them in December. Although, I have rarely seen salamanders come out on warm winter days. But, they are very sluggish and no doubt question their decision to emerge from hibernation when they see the snow still on the ground.
Here's a shot of one that I saw last December...The white in the background is snow!