red-spotted newt
Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens
Conservation Status:
State Status: Secure
Global Assessment: Least Concern
Photographed by Christine Young in Sharon
Description
Red-spotted newts, also commonly referred to as eastern newts, grow from two to four inches long. They have three distinct life stages, starting as aquatic larvae, metamorphosing into terrestrial juveniles, then once again turning into aquatic adults. Adults are olive green in color, with many black spots and few red spots surrounded by black borders.
They have yellow stomachs with black specks. Terrestrial juveniles are a bright orange or red, also sporting red spots with black borders.
Habitat
These newts can be found in many permanent bodies of water. They also live in muddy areas in forests.
Behavior
Red-spotted newts eat invertebrates, like insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. They also eat small fish and tadpoles. When threatened, they secrete toxins, and also rely on their bright coloration as a warning for defense. Eggs are attached to vegetation underwater, and they hatch into aquatic larvae.
Range
Present
