environmentalista's Favorites

This seemed like a newt of some kind? Long swishy tail and stubby legs (maybe still growing in?). Brown and full immersed in the lake water. I didn’t see it surface for air. Would love to know what it is

On the concrete- so tiny I thought it was a part of a yellow jacket stinger. On further inspection it began to hop and flutter its wings. It was like finding a needle in a haystack almost it was so tiny.It hopped similar to how a flea does very quickly but one large hop then pause unless I placed my ruler next to it. Finally hopped into the grass and stayed there. Weather is rainy overcast skies windy and about 56°F

Added the sound video. This beetle made little squeaking/swishy noises when I attempted to turn it upside down. Legs easily grip the paper towel to turn back over but it had a harder time turning itself over on the metal table. I think it did not like me doing this. I took care to not harm the beetle.