Red Spotted Newt
Red spotted newt is a subspecies of newt found in the United States. The newt is diurnal.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Amphibia |
Order | Urodela |
Family | Salamandridae |
Genus | Notophthalmus |
Species | Notophthalmus viridescens |
Scientific Name | Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens |
Size | 3 to 5 in |
Weight | 0.2-0.4 oz (5-11 g) |
Color | Adults are greenish with small black dots on the back; a row of several reddish-orange spots with black borders on each side of the back; efts are brilliant red or orange |
Distribution | United States |
Habitat | Adults inhabit slow-moving rivers and lakes, reservoirs, pasture ponds, bogs, mill ponds, drainage ditches, vernal pools, and wooded swamps while efts inhabit deciduous and coniferous woodlands, pastures, and meadows |
Diet | Insects, leeches, mollusks, crustaceans, small amphibians and fish |
Predators | Birds, fish, insects, leeches, other amphibians |
Breeding Season | March-June |
Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous (egg laying) |
Clutch Size | 200 to 300 eggs |
Incubation Period | 3 to 8 weeks |
Average Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern |