Red-spotted Newt (Red Eft)

Description:

Red-spotted newts have three stages of life: (1) the aquatic larva or tadpole, (2) the red eft or terrestrial juvenile stage, and (3) the aquatic adult. The red eft has slightly rough, dry skin and is bright orange or red, and sometimes even brownish, with darker red spots outlined in black. During this stage, the eft may travel far, acting as a dispersal stage from one pond to another, ensuring outcrossing in the population. After two or three years, the eft finds a pond and completes the second metamorphosis to become an aquatic adult. Its skin will change from orange or red to yellowish-green but retains the eft's characteristic black-rimmed red spots.

Habitat:

Eastern newts are at home in both coniferous and deciduous forests. They need a moist environment with either a temporary or permanent body of water, and thrive best in a muddy environment. During the eft stage, they may travel far from their original location. Red efts may often be seen in a forest after a rainstorm. Adults prefer a muddy aquatic habitat, but will move to land during a dry spell.

Notes:

Spotted near Keown Falls at Johns Mountain Wildlife Management Area