Eastern Newt Juvenile (Red Eft)

Description:

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, efts will hibernate under logs or stones.

Habitat:

Spotted in a deciduous forest on the side of a trail

Notes:

Eastern newts produce tetrodotoxin, which makes the species unpalatable to potential predators. Its lifespan in the wild can be from12-15 years.