Tennessee wildlife
Eastern Newt (red eft stage)
Notophthalmus viridescens
Look for the bright orange red eft stage in leaf litter after rain.
See the Eastern Newt (red eft stage) up close
Best months
Apr · May · Jun · Jul
Best seen in spring or fall after rain in moist forested areas; check park visitor centers for current sightings.
Where to look
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkCherokee National Forest
Conservation status
Common and widespread in moist forests of eastern US
Good to know
Why are red efts bright orange?
Their bright coloration warns predators that they are toxic due to tetrodotoxin in their skin.
What is the difference between a hellbender and an eastern newt?
Hellbenders are large, fully aquatic salamanders, while eastern newts are smaller and have a terrestrial red eft stage.
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