Notophthalmus viridescens, commonly known as the eastern newt, is a small amphibian found in North America. It typically inhabits freshwater environments like ponds, lakes, and streams. The species is known for its distinct life stages, including an aquatic larval stage, a terrestrial juvenile stage called an eft, and a returning aquatic adult stage. The eastern newt has a smooth, greenish-brown skin with a lighter underside. It can be recognized by its bright orange or red coloration during the eft stage, which serves as a warning to predators about its toxicity. This species plays a vital role in its ecosystem by controlling insect populations and serving as prey for various animals.