Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)

[Admin]

Eastern Newt (Notophthalamus viridescens)

The Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) is a common salamander of eastern North America.

Conservation Status:


Range/Distribution:


The Eastern Newt has four subspecies:
Red-spotted newt (N. v. viridescens) is the most widespread subspecies, with a row of black bordered yellow spots along each side of the body.
Central newt (N. v. louisianensis) is found along the western and southern edges of the species' range and typically lacks red markings.
Peninsula newt (N. v. piaropicola) inhabits the Florida Panhandle. It is darker above and lacks red spots. Adults are often neotenic and rarely leave the water.
Broken-striped newt (N. v. dorsalis) is found in the Carolinas and has red-orange markings which resemble broken stripes rather than circular spots.

Identifying characteristics: The Eastern Newt's terrestrial juvenile form, also known as the Red Eft, is bright orange and may or may not have black-bordered yellow to red spots depending on the subspecies. The adults are aquatic and can have any color from a darker orange to olive or green. Black-bordered yellow to red spots may remain. The belly is often yellow with black specks.
Size: Average body length of 2.5-5.5 inches.
Habitat: Semi-aquatic. Adults and juveniles spend most of their time in vernal pools. If the pools dry up they may burrow in mud. Efts, or juveniles are terrestrial and prefer damp woodland with plenty of leaf cover. Efts can be found under leaves during or after periods of rain.
Food: Carnivorous. Insects and larvae, spiders, snails and slugs.
Reproduction: Eggs are laid in the crevasses under debris (stones or logs) in water. Larvae hatch 3-8 weeks later, develop into Efts and leave water to return as adults.
Other Information: Nocturnal. Terrestrial form hibernates in winter, though aquatic forms will stay active all year. The Eft may take up to 3 years to mature into an adult.