Notophthalmus viridescens
I went out during a drizzle in the mountains last week to look for salamanders. NC has more salamander species than any other state in the US, and with their moist skin, they like damp weather. This Red Eft was making its way along the edge of a gravel track. It’s the terrestrial life stage of the Red-spotted Newt, headed for a nearby pond to morph into the aquatic adult stage. The red is a warning color to predators – the eft’s skin makes noxious secretions. I don’t know of a prettier salamander. Check out the bright red spots and the tiny toes!
