Red Spotted Newt

Description:

The red eft form is the juvenile stage of the red spotted newt, which is also called the eastern newt. The juveniles are orange-red in color and are patterned with darker spots outlined in red. The adults retain the spots, but turn into an olive green color. They can grow up to 5 inches, and may live 12 to 15 years in the wild.

Habitat:

The red spotted newt lives in small lakes, ponds, streams, or wet forests. The juveniles leave their ponds and streams and travel overland to seek out new bodies of water.

Notes:

I found several of these newts in the red eft stage on the Western Maryland Rail Trail between Pearre and Hancock, Maryland during an afternoon rain shower. The coin in the picture is a penny.