Red-spotted Newt

I don’t go looking for a red-spotted newt, but I’m always glad when one turns up.

You get more reliable views in the hour after first light than at any other time.

Taxonomy here follows a standard order-level frame (Caudata / Salamandridae); common synonymies are noted when I’ve seen them used in the field.

Most of my records are incidental, either on trails during birding or in fields while I was scanning for something else.

Any corrections from herp folks are welcome. My ID is shakier than I’d like.