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Eastern newt (Red Eft)
Notophthalmus viridescens
41.454, -75.3827
Field Notes
Description:
The eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) is a common newt of eastern North America. They can coexist in an aquatic environment with small, non carnivorous fish, as their skin secretes a poisonous substance when the newt is threatened or injured. They have lifespans of 12 to 15 years in the wild, and may grow to five inches in length. The strikingly colored (orange) juvenile stage, which is land-dwelling, is often known as the red eft.
Habitat:
Eastern newts are at home in both coniferous and deciduous forests. They need a moist environment with either a temporary or permanent body of water, and thrive best in a muddy environment. During the eft stage, they may travel far from their original location. Red efts may often be seen in a forest after a rainstorm. Adults prefer a muddy aquatic habitat, but will move to land during a dry spell.
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