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Smooth Newt (c) Froglife

Smooth Newt
Lissotriton vulgaris

Like all amphibians the Smooth Newt breeds in water but spends much of the rest of the year on land.  Smooth newts are the most common UK newt species though can be difficult to tell apart from Palmate Newts.  Formerly known as Triturus vulgaris.

DESCRIPTION

Size: Adults can reach 11cm/4"

Colour: Brown-green back with dark spots, the sides and throat may be white or pale.  The belly is pale orange with black spots.  Females are a duller colour than males.

Markings: Females have an orange stripe on the underside of the tail base whereas; males have an orange and blue stripe.  Black spots on the body are smaller than those on the Great Crested Newt.

Identifying features:

  • Smooth Newt (c) FroglifeIn the water the skin appears smooth

  • During the breeding season males develop a small wavy (not jagged) crest along the back

  • Spots on the throat unlike the Palmate Newt

  • Smaller and lighter coloured than Great Crested Newts

Diet: Various invertebrates plus frog tadpoles.

Breeding: Starts around March-April, eggs are laid on broad-leaved aquatic plants up until May.

Habitat: Often found hiding under logs or stones on land; inhabits various terrestrial habitats and usually still water with plenty of vegetation.

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

CURRENT STATUS: Protected by law against trade.  The most widely distributed newt.

DISTRIBUTION: 
In your garden... Prefers fish-free pools and ditches with a diversity of vegetation.
UK: Widespread and common throughout England, Scotland and Wales, though encountered less frequently in the north and west. The only newt to be found in Ireland.

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