A newt is a semiaquatic amphibian of the family Salamandridae, although not all aquatic salamanders are considered newts.Newts are classified as a part of the salamandrid subfamily Pleurodelinae, and can be found in North America, Europe and Asia.atin had the name stellio for a type of spotted newt, now used for species of the Stellagama genus. Ancient Greek had the name κορδύλος, presumably for the water newt (immature newt, eft). German has Molch, from Middle High German mol, olm, like the English term of unknown etymology.