Species Reptiles & AmphibiansEastern Newt

Eastern Newt

Notophthalmus viridescens

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)

The Eastern Newt has a fascinating three-stage life cycle. The terrestrial red eft stage wanders forests for years before transforming into the aquatic adult. Its skin contains tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin.

Habitat
Ponds and lakes (adults); moist forest floor (eft stage)
Diet
Insects, worms, small amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a Eastern Newt

The best time to see a Eastern Newt is April–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 73,499 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Eastern Newt sightings near you

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