ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Red-Spotted Newt / Red Eft

 Red-spotted Newt / Red Eft

red-spotted newt

A newt can avoid predators by secreting toxic substances through its skin.
 

Red Spotted Newt/ Red Eft
Notophthalmus viridescens

At-a-Glance

• Length: 3-4 inches

• Gestation period: 3-8 weeks

• Number of offspring : 200-400

• Typical Foods: invertebrates
Description
The aquatic adult is yellowish brown and the terrestrial eft is orange-red. Both aquatic and terrestrial forms have have orange spots bordered by black on its back. Like a lizard, it has a round tail.

Habitat and Habits
This newt occurs sporadically throughout our state in permanent or semi-permanent bodies
of water bordered by relatively undisturbed woodlands.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Three or four months following hatching, the larva loses its gills, develops lungs, and begins life on land (this is when it is a 'red eft'). During the next two to three years, it will forage on the forest floor, often wandering about boldly during the day, especially during or just after a rain. Although it is conspicuous during this red eft stage, other animals seldom bother it because its skin glands produce irritating secretions. During the third year of its life, a remarkable transition occurs. The skin becomes slimy and changes from orange to olive green. The tail becomes broad and wedge-shaped, and the body looks more like that of a salamander than a lizard. At this point, the salamander returns to water to breed and remains there for the rest of its life as a mature red-spotted newt.