Red—spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens Viridescens)

Colour and number of spots in this species varies with age. The immature stages (efts) are brick-red; small adults are brown;

and larger adults are olive green. A row of red spots edged with black is usually found along each side. Black spots and speckles occur on the backs and under— sides of adults. Total length may reach

14 cm but averages 10 to 11 cm. Breeding occurs in ponds, from late April to mid-summer. Eggs are laid singly on stems

and leaves of underwater plants. 'Larvae spend a few months in the water before leaving to spend one to three years on land in the immature form known as the

red eft. Unlike most salamanders the adults return permanently to water and develop broad swimming tails. The species prefers quiet weedy ponds and is common in the province.

red eft (immature)

red—spotted newt (adult)

Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus cinereus)

This small salamander has black sides and back with

a wide red stripe running down the center of its

back from head to tail. Occasionally individuals lacking the red Stripe are encountered. Red-

backed Salamanders may grow up to 11 cm in length

but tail breakage is common so many are consid— erably shorter. There creatures have no lungs

and so must breathe entirely through their skins.v Their life cycle is carried out entirely on land. They are common in moist conditions under rocks, leaf .mold and rotten logs throughout the woods. Eggs are laid in spring and early summer, hidden in rotting logs and stumps.

REFERENCES:

Cook, F.R. 1967. An Analysis of the Herpetofauna of Prince Edward Island. Nat. Mus. Can. Bull. No. 212. Ottawa. 60 pp.

Gorham, S.W. 1970. The Amphibians and Reptiles of New Brunswick. N.B. Museum Monographic Series No. 6. St. John. 30 pp.

Martin, J.L. g 1955. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Nova Scotia. N.S. Museum.

Halifax. 17 pp.

Zim, H.S. and H.M. Smith. 1956. Golden Nature Guide: Reptiles and Amphibians. Golden Press. New York. 160 pp.

IO