Eastern Newt (Red Eft)

Description:

2 1/2 - 5 1/2 inches. aquatic adult olive-green to dark brown, with many black dots on yellow belly; land dwelling eft varies from bright orange varies from bright orange to reddish brown; both have red markings on back.

Habitat:

quiet, weedy ponds, lakes, rivers, moist woodlands.

Notes:

Eastern Newts form a family of salamanders that lack the side grooves typical of most salamanders. They lay eggs in the water in spring. The larvae remain aquatic until late summer, then lose their gills and transform into red land-dwelling creatures known as efts. After one to three years, the efts become drab-looking adults and return to the water to mate. The adults never go back to land. These were spotted in our little brook near our house in Vermont. We have an abundance of them in all stages.