Eastern newt

Description:

red eft (juvenile newt)

Habitat:

spotted in woodland tract near wetlands

Notes:

I wanted to post this spotting even though it's an older one, because it's one of my favorites. The eft was so exquisite and its color so luminous! It also seemed pretty fearless about my proximity. Maybe the toxins in their skin allow these guys to be more fearless—they don’t have to worry as much about predators? A few days later I actually counted 13 efts on walkabout along the same stretch of trail. It was like I'd had WAY too much caffeine, I got so excited about seeing them all! The eft is the terrestrial juvenile phase of the newt. The newt's life cycle is so extraordinary! I love newts :).