Which Newt?

Grayman · #1 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 12:48 PM

Hi guys, my first ever post has to do with newt identification. On 3rd Jan I found a dead newt in a pond near where I work in Gravesend, Kent. There had been torrential rain and the pond level had risen a lot, and I think it might have overwhelmed the spot where this lad was hibernating. I got some good photos, but it seems I can't post attachments here.

According to all the info I can gather, smooth and palmate newts both grow to about 10cm and look almost identical out of the breeding season, except that the the smooth has a spotty throat and the palmate hasn't. The Great Crested grows up to about 15cm but is easily identifiable by its whacking great big crest.

Well this one has a shallow but noticeable crest and a black-spotted orange underside that doesn't extend on to the throat, although the throat is light with black speckles. (Does that count as spotty or not?) It's also a full 5" long, (about 13cm). There are a lot of newts of this size in this pond in the summer, but this is the first one I've been able to have a close look at.

I can't decide what species it is. Can anyone tell me? Photo waiting if you want it.

yellowhammer · #2 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 03:01 PM

Hi Grayman, sound like it could be a GCN. I live in Gravesend and there are plenty round here. Stick a photo up & I'll tell you what it is. Also could you PM me the site of the pond if you're happy to do that please? I'm recording them in the area & it may be a new site. Don't post it in an open forum though if it is a GCN!

Grayman · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 08:11 AM

Thanks Yellowhammer, I have posted two photos under the name 'Gravesend Newt', currently pending approval.

Wild-Woman · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 05:02 AM

I'll be interested in seeing this newt too.

I saw my first newt of the year yesterday.Think it was a female but not positive as I was in a 'in a moment I'm gonna fall in' sort of position!

I shall be watching closely now as things start to accelerate into spring.

Grayman · #5 (**permalink**) 13-02-2008, 07:58 AM

Anyone got any idea where my pictures went??

Words · #6 (**permalink**) 22-02-2008, 06:29 AM

Grayman, the photos may not have made it through the moderation process, particularly without an accurate identification. There are also size/quality requirements for the main galelries.

There are two areas you can upload photos: the Gallery and the archive. For putting pictures in the forums you need to select 'Archive' and then select the 'Forum' Gallery in the menu. Pictures uploaded that way are unmoderated and are instantly available.