Eastern Newt

The Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) has a unique three-stage life cycle. It begins as an aquatic larva, transforms into a terrestrial juvenile known as a "red eft," and finally returns to the water as a breeding adult.

The red eft phase, which lasts for one to three years, features a brilliant bright orange or red coloration. This serves as aposematic coloration, warning predators that the newt's skin secretes a potent, toxic substance.

The Eastern Newt is a common amphibian native to the eastern half of North America. They are typically found in moist, forested environments near ponds, lakes, and marshes where they breed and live as adults.

As adults in the water, Eastern Newts are carnivorous, feeding on insects, small crustaceans, and amphibian eggs. During their terrestrial red eft stage, they actively forage on the forest floor for small insects, snails, and worms.