Monday, May 12, 2008

Look what my closeup lens spied!


He measured about 1.25" including his tail. So sweet! I love the skinny little "arms." These guys start out as tadpoles (aquatic), then grow to this Red Eft stage, living on land for two to three years before turning into a brownish aquatic form again. They live a long life—12 to 15 years. Jill and I always loved to see their soft little orange forms appear at the roadside in spring.

Again, click on the photo to see the larger size.

7 comments:

crystal said...

So cute! What is he, Susan? I'll show this pic to my sister when she comes over today - she really likes salamanders and frogs.

Susan said...

Thanks, Crystal! He's a newt in the Red Eft stage. Very soft!

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

Wow, that color is amazing.

I've always seen the word eft in crossword puzzles. Now I know what they look like. Thanks.

Indigo Bunting said...

The very existence of this creature makes me so happy. I thrill every time I see one!

Jenny Hill said...

I love Red Efts! Helen and I used to spot them in the woods where we walked when she was five or so.

Great photo!

crystal said...

My sister loved him. Isn't he part of some recipe ... eye of newt? :)

Susan said...

Hands off, Crystal!