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Project Noah Nature School
Notophthalmus viridescens
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, they hibernate under logs or rocks.
I spotted these newts accidentally as I had walked over to see a cluster of mushrooms that were growing next to a small rotting log. I was surprised to find six red efts among the mushrooms. They were very active and difficult to gets photos of because they wouldn't stay still! Spotted in a mixed forest.
Eastern newts produce tetrodotoxin, which makes the species unpalatable to potential predators.
Spotted on Oct 25, 2017
Submitted on Oct 26, 2017
6 Comments
Thanks Leuba.
They look lovely clambering over the mushrooms. Great spotting Christine. Thanks.
Thank you so much for the nomination!
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Thanks António! They are photogenic little creatures!
Beautiul series Christine,i love these guys,congrats and thans for sharing