What Is an American Newt?

Salamanders in the genus notophthalmus are more commonly known as North American newts. This group includes the black-spotted newt, the striped newt and the eastern newt. These newts are semi-aquatic amphibians that start their lives in the water; once fully grown, they also spend time on land.

  1. Description

    • All three American newts are small and slender. The eastern newt is reddish-orange in color with small black dots running along either side of the body. The black spotted newt is olive green with a yellow underbelly and dark spots along its sides. The striped newt is dark brown to olive in color with reddish stripes running along each side of its body.

    Habitat and Range

    • The eastern newt is the most widespread of the three; it's found all along the east coast, the Great Lakes region and Texas. The black-spotted newt is found along the Gulf Coast through Texas and Mexico. The lined newt is native to the southeastern United States; it can be found in Florida and parts of Georgia. The eastern and black-spotted varieties are found in a range of wetland habitats in fix ponds and streams. The lined newt prefers temporary wetland habitats, such as ditches and shallow, seasonal ponds.

    Diet and Predators

    • All American newts are carnivorous and eat a similar diet. Aquatic larvae, insects and snails are common foods. The newts hunt using the senses of sight and smell, finding food both in the water and in damp leaf litter found on forest floors. Newts can secrete a toxic substance which make them unpalatable to many predators. However, some birds, fish, mammals and other amphibians feed on them if given the chance.

    Life Cycle

    • All three American newt species breed by internal fertilization with the males dropping a sperm sac that the female picks up. The eastern and black-spotted newts lay their eggs in permanent ponds generally in or around vegetation. The striped newt waits until rainy times of the year to lay eggs in temporary ponds. The eggs hatch out into tadpoles; they eventually grow legs and become semi-terrestrial. Newts can live as long as 15 years.