Notophthalmus viridescens

(Rafinesque, 1820)

Vernacular names
English : Eastern newt
French : Triton vert, Triton à points rouges

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Caudata
Family : Salamandridae
Notes : 4 subspecies previously known and likely not recognized anymore.

Identification
Adults can grow to a length of 14 cm (tail included). Adults are olive-green with yellow belly, black dots on flanks and back with two rows of red dots on flanks. Juveniles are orange-red to reddish-brown in color in their terrestrial phase.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in most of the eastern half of the USA, from Minnesota, eastern Kansas and Texas, and in nearby south-east Canada. Lives in quiet stream pools, permanent and temporary ponds, swamps.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a large range and is known to occur in a wide variety of habitats. No alarming declines are noted so far.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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