Red Eft (Juvenile Eastern Newt)

Deciduous and coniferous forests with nearby permanent or semi-permanent water sources and ample leaf litter.

Carnivorous; feeds on small invertebrates such as insects, snails, spiders, and worms found in leaf litter.

The 'red eft' is a terrestrial juvenile stage that can last 2 to 7 years. They are often diurnal (active during the day) after rainfall. They eventually return to water to transform into aquatic adults.

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. They possess tetrodotoxin in their skin which is toxic if ingested by predators (or humans), and can cause skin irritation; handling is not recommended.