The term 'smallish salamander' can be summarized by the crossword solution of 'NEWT, ' which is a four-letter word. Newts are a type of salamander that typically have a bright orange or red belly and a dark brown or black back. They are found in ponds, streams, and other bodies of water, and they feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. Newts are relatively small, usually ranging from 2 to 6 inches in length.