Newts...

[polygro]

I wonder if it possible to identify these newts from this photo?

I realise that they must be either smooth or palmate but to be certain have you really got to see their throats?



Thanks

Polly

[Dogghound]

Both smooth newts Triturus vulgaris , female on the left, male on the right.

[polygro]

Thanks Dogghound - can you give me some pointers as to why they are smooth newts as opposed to palmate please?

Thanks

Polly

[Dogghound]

Ill start with the male its much easier, The frilly crest on the back and tail. The palmate newt lacks this and just has a small smooth crest on the tail. Much easier to ID now their breeding. The females are harder, although smooth newt females have the two lines running parallel along the back. If you can get a better look other differences are palmates have lighter belly colouring and less spots, an unspotted throat. Which is a pinkish colour compared to that of a smooth newt. Also if you look really close smooth newts have a slight hollow between the nostril and eye. Palmates also has a light spot near the top of the hind leg, also has two light spots on the underside of its back feet.

[polygro]

Thanks for the explanation - does that make these smooth newts as well? The female does not seem to have the double line down her back.



Cheers

[Dogghound]

There both males by the looks of it. The top one is not as Sexually advanced as the lower one and looks to have not been out of hibernation aslong, you can see where its creast is starting to develop.

Also the two stripes are aften found in palmate females but sometimes in two rows of spots, females are more tricky to ID. Although smooth newts are larger.

[polygro]

Now that you point out the developing crest I can see it (hadn't noticed it before).
Must improve my observation skills....

Thanks again!

[Kayleigh]

The females look like they are about to explode when they are pregnant..We have these in our pond..We are so lucky..