Eastern Red Spotted Newt

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Urodela
Family:	Salamandridae
Genus:	Notophthalmus
Species:	N. viridescens
Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System

Eastern Red Spotted Newt (WIP)

The Eastern Red Spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens) is a salamander native to Eastern North America [2]. It is a common amphibian [1], which means it is cold-blooded [2] and can be found in wet forests, small lakes, streams and ponds [6]. They frequently switch between aquatic and terrestrial habitats throughout their lives. They have 4 distinct life cycles which they are able to switch between based on their environment. The stages are 1) egg, 2) aquatic larva, 3) eft (terrestrial adult) and 4) newt (aquatic adult) [2].

Description

The eastern red spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) can be found in the eastern portion of North America. In the wild, it can live between 12 and 15 years and is found in ponds, streams, lakes and in wet land areas. The newt becomes land dwelling in its juvenile stage when it becomes bright orange in color and is known as a red eft. It evades predators by secreting a toxin called tetrodotoxin [1]. It has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years in the wild, and it may grow to 5 in (13 cm) in length. The newt is a favorite aquarium pet.

References

[1] Creature Feature: Eastern Red-Spotted Newt - Raritan Headwaters. (n.d.). . https://www.raritanheadwaters.org/2020/03/20/creature-feature-eastern-red-spotted-newt/.

[2] Eastern (Red-Spotted) Newt - Watchable Wildlife - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation. (n.d.). . https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/67022.html.

[3] ITIS - Report: Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens. (n.d.). . https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=173616.

[4] Maryland Biodiversity Project - Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens). (n.d.). . https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/470.

[5] Red-spotted Newt. (n.d.). . https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/amphibians/salamanders/red-spotted-newt/red-spotted_newt.php.

[6] Red-Spotted Newt. (n.d.). . https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Red-Spotted-Newt.

[7] Species Profile: Red-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) | SREL Herpetology. (n.d.). . https://srelherp.uga.edu/salamanders/notvir.htm.

[8] Marion, Zachary H; Hay, Mark E (2011). "Chemical Defense of the Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens): Variation in Efficiency against Different Consumers and in Different Habitats". PLOS ONE. 6 (12): e27581. Bibcode:2011PLoSO...627581M. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0027581. PMC 3229496. PMID 22164212.