Palmate Newt
Lissotriton helveticus

The Palmate Newt can be hard to distinguish from the Smooth Newt.  Like all amphibians it breeds in water but spends much of the rest of the year on land.  Formerly known as Triturus helveticus.

DESCRIPTION

Size: Adults grow to around 9cm/3.5"

Colour: Brown-green back with dark spots, the belly is pale yellow with black spots and the throat is pink.

Markings: There is a dark stripe running through the eye, from nose to neck.

Identifying features:

• During the breeding season males develop webbed feet and a tail filament.

• No spots on the throat.

Diet: Various invertebrates.

Breeding: Males reach the breeding pond first and then display for females when they arrive.  Eggs are laid and attached to plants.

Habitat: Usually found in still, shallow water or slow-moving streams.  Terrestrial habitat includes gardens, woodland and heathland.

Dislikes: Predators such as grass snakes, birds, fish and water invertebrates.

CURRENT STATUS: Protected by law against trade.

DISTRIBUTION: 
In your garden... Can be difficult to distinguish from Smooth Newts; is not uncommon in garden ponds.
UK: Widespread and common in Scotland and Wales with a patchy distribution in England . They are rare/absent in the Midlands and East Anglia. 

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