Question about eastern spotted newts (Notophthalmus v. viridescens)

[steve]

I was reading up on these newts when I noticed (enature to be specific) saying: Hatching larvae average 3/8" (8mm). In late summer or early fall they transform to aquatic subadults or efts.


NOW, my only question is: Does each newt ALWAYS tranform into a RED EFT? or is there a CHANCE, they will go from aquatic larvae to aquatic adult green?


humm..

Steve

 

[nate]

There is a very slight chance, but it's very very rare for nominate Notophthalmus to skip the eft stage. Generally it's certain populations ot the subspecies dorsalis and piaropicola that skip the eft stage.

 

[TJ]

No larva goes from larva to green adult. They will still become and eft, but they will be aquatic. (aquatic sub-adults or efts.) I have that book.

 

[edward]

Which book is that Tim?

Depending on the population and the locality the nominate has been shown to skip the eft stage. This does not mean they become an aquatic eft as by definition the eft stage is terrestrial.

Ed