Eastern Red Spotted Newt
| |
| 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
Adults are green in color. On the back are red dots surrounded by black. The belly is yellow and has small black dots. The larvae are greenish and have a black stripe on each side of the head. Juveniles are bright red to orange with reddish spots encircled with black and are called red efts. [8]
Habitat and Range
Life Cycle
The usual life cycle of this species includes three distinct post-hatching stages: (1) aquatic larva, (2) terrestrial (juvenile) eft, and (3) aquatic adult. [9]
Diet
Behavior & Reproduction
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] Red-spotted Newt. Red-Spotted Newt. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/red-spotted-newt/?msclkid=fc5748ddd15b11ec9a64ff92396799f1