Smooth newt
A species of Lissotriton, Also known as Common newt, Common water-newt, Water eft, Small newt Scientific name : Lissotriton vulgaris Genus : Lissotriton
Smooth newt, A species of Lissotriton
Also known as:
Common newt, Common water-newt, Water eft, Small newt
Scientific name: Lissotriton vulgaris
Genus: Lissotriton
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By gonkem1986 , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The smooth newt, also known as the common newt (Lissotriton vulgaris; formerly Triturus vulgaris) is a species of amphibian, the most common newt of the genus Lissotriton. It is found throughout Europe, except the far north, areas of Southern France and the Iberian Peninsula.
People often ask
General Info
Lifespan
6-14 years
Diet
Smooth newt's diet primarily consists of small invertebrates, predominantly water insects and mollusks. This amphibian species also consumes crustaceans and adjunctly, decaying organic matter, emphasizing its opportunistic feeding behavior.
Appearance
Smooth newt is a small amphibian, with a slender body reaching up to 10 cm surrounded by moist smooth skin. Males exhibit an olive to brown coloration, accented with dark spots, while females are slightly lighter. A dorsal stripe frequently runs along their bodies. The most striking feature is the fringed toes on males during the breeding season.
Behavior
Smooth newt displays semi-aquatic behavior, utilizing both terrestrial and aquatic habitats for survival. It predominantly exhibits crepuscular activities, including foraging for small invertebrates during twilight hours. This species is mainly solitary until the breeding season when males display assertive territorial dominance. No migratory behavior or significant camouflage tactics are known for this species.
Population
Stable
Photo By gonkem1986 , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
True salamanders Genus
Lissotriton Species
Smooth newt