Eft lacks tail fin, has more warty skin, and yellowish or reddish belly. Semi-permanent ponds and sloughs in or near forests. Adults and larvae are aquatic, but there is an intermediate terrestrial stage called the eft. During spring, adult females attach tiny, pale eggs individually to underwater plants. Best breeding ponds are fish-free, but extensively vegetated borders of stocked lakes are satisfactory.
Efts often walk about during the day after rain.
Outside breeding season, adults may remain in pond or wander on land nearby. Common in some southern counties where swamps and breeding ponds persist and wooded habitat for efts remains. Reduced in central and northern Illinois by deforestation and drainage of ponds and marshes.