Newt Identification larval

[nurglespuss]

Newt Identification



any help? cheers :> found on a kick sampling

[djackso]

The great-crested newt larva has a large, vertically flattened spotted tail.

If it doesn't have this then it's a common or palmate newt - but I can't tell which.

[Ukwildlifeo]

From this angle a great crested newt would have a little 'thread' at the end of the tail (well all the ones Ive seen have) which this does not appear to have. It may be to small. Or its a palmate newt or smooth newt (common), which are impossble to tell apart until adult.

[nurglespuss]

Brilliant I thought it might be :P but was surprised to find it in a stream (and it was very small ~4mm).

Thanks again!!

[Dogghound]

Both smooth and palmate will breed in ditches and palmates do sometimes breed in slow running water which may help in suggesting the ID. As for the photo i think its to immature to ID. Great crested newts also occasionally but rarely breed in flowing water. By flowing i mean slow in both species. So if its a fast stream possibly someone moved it there.

[dragonfly]

hya I too would say newt but which one to small to say try a littel fishing about in your pond but remember newts are a protected species

[nurglespuss]

Hi there :> luckily I have a great crested newt handling license :>

Cheers all!

[Flighty]

Anybody able to verify my ID here? Found these on my NARRS survey today (24th March) and have identified them as Smooth Newt larvae. The fact they are fairly well grown larvae so early in the season suggests they have overwintered as larvae. Would that make them neotenous?

Cheers

[Dogghound]

Either smooth or palmate. These are not GCN.

No neotenous larvae don't develop into adults, these should turn into adults this spring/summer. I know a classic pond for these on the N.York moors which get palmate overwintering each year.