The Eastern Newt is a small amphibian native to eastern North America. It typically has a bright orange or red coloration with small black spots, especially in its juvenile stage known as the red eft. Adults can be greenish or brownish and are often found in freshwater habitats like ponds and streams. These newts undergo a complex life cycle, starting as eggs that hatch into aquatic larvae. After a period of time, they transform into the terrestrial red eft stage before returning to the water as adults. Eastern Newts play a vital role in their ecosystems by helping control insect populations and serving as prey for various predators.