Alpine newt
A species of Alpine newt, Also known as Italian alpine newt Scientific name : Ichthyosaura alpestris Genus : Alpine newt
Alpine newt, A species of Alpine newt
Also known as:
Italian alpine newt
Scientific name: Ichthyosaura alpestris
Genus: Alpine newt
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Björn S... , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
A native of Europe, the alpine newt has a colorful body and a shortened tail with a pointed tip. They live partially on land, moving into the water when it is time to spawn. A carnivore, the alpine newt feeds on mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic insects. While it can live in captivity, it requires both land and water within its habitat to survive.
People often ask
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Alpine newt primarily feasts on small invertebrates on land, favoring soft-bodied prey such as earthworms and slugs. Aquatic larvae prefer tiny crustaceans and insect larvae for sustenance.
Appearance
Alpine newt is a medium-sized aquatic salamander species that can grow to lengths of 12 centimeters. It has a robust body, smooth skin, and a long, vertical tail fin essential for swimming. They are predominantly blue to dark green with black speckles on the upper body and orange belly. Sexual dimorphism is visible in adults, with males developing bright-coloured crests in the breeding season.
Behavior
Alpine newt is solitary in nature, primarily nocturnal, and exhibits ambush predation. It breeds in the water where males stake territory and court females. Fascinatingly, alpine newt displays a complex array of postures and movements during courtship. It adapts to harsh winters by undergoing hibernation.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Björn S... , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
True salamanders Genus
Alpine newt Species
Alpine newt