A salamander with one of the most fascinating life histories: aquatic larva → terrestrial juvenile (the "red eft") → aquatic adult. The bright orange eft stage signals high toxicity from tetrodotoxin to predators.

Also called: Red-spotted Newt, Red Eft (juvenile)

Native status: Native; widespread

§ Quick facts

SizeAdult length 7–14 cm (2.8–5.5 in)
Weight3–7 g
LifespanWild 12–15 years
OrderCaudata
FamilySalamandridae

§ Encyclopedia

The eastern newt is a common newt of eastern North America. It frequents small lakes, ponds, vernal ponds and streams or nearby wooded areas. The eastern newt produces tetrodotoxin, which makes the species unpalatable to predatory fish and crayfish. It has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years in the wild, and it may grow to 5 in (13 cm) in length. These animals are common aquarium pets, being either collected from the wild or sold commercially. The striking bright orange juvenile stage, which is land-dwelling, is known as a red eft. Some sources blend the general name of the species and that of the red-spotted newt subspecies into the eastern red-spotted newt.

Source: Wikipedia — Eastern newt Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Aquatic adults: olive-green with red spots. Efts: bright orange, terrestrial.

Similar species. Red Salamander (no spots, no eft stage). Other newts.

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, snails, small invertebrates.

Behavior. Complex life cycle: aquatic larva, terrestrial juvenile, aquatic adult. Efts toxic to predators.

§ Range

Eastern North America from Canada to Florida and west to Texas

§ Habitat

Wooded ponds, streams, marshes; mossy forest floor as juveniles

§ Threats

Forest loss, road mortality during migrations, disease (Bsal — a chytrid for salamanders), pesticide runoff.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern newt is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't buy or release pet amphibians (Bsal risk). Protect forested wetland buffers. Support amphibian disease surveillance.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USGS ARMI
  • AmphibiaWeb
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2014