Red - Spotted Newt - Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens

Adult newts are aquatic and may be found in vernal pools, particularly semipermanent ones. They are aggressive predators in vernal pools. They are olive green to yellowish brown with a row of bright red spots encircled in black along each side. The underside is yellow and the tail is keeled to aid in swimming. The eft is the immature terrestrial stage that can be a brilliant orange to green-brown and has rows of bright orange-red spots encircled in black along it's back. Efts spend 4-5 years wandering before reaching sexual maturity and seeking a wetland for permanent residence.