Newt for ID and info, please.

[Jennie]

Which Newt is this, please? There were several in a shallow pond (about 4 inches deep) with water running into and out of it, alongside a forest track. They were around 2 and a half inches long.

I am confused as I thought newts were nocturnal, but these were quite happy to swim around in the sun on Sunday, (see shadow!) only heading for cover when I moved or cast a shadow.

I was also very surprised to see them where they were - on Forestry Commision land, where felling of conifers is taking place, and lorries are trundling past within a few feet of them, as there is only one main road in and out of the forest!

[Dogghound]

Its a Palmate newt Triturus helveticus.

Its a species often found in moderately acidic water on heaths, moors conifer plantations etc. Newts are very much active during the day although they are less inclined to leave the water.

[Malcolm Banks]

Yes I agree with Dogghound, a male probably, based on the small distal spike/hair on the tail and the darkened, possibly webbed back feet. Until very recently I had only seen the newts in my pond for fleeting glimpses at night, and mistook them for Palmates. But in the last week or so they have been readily visible during all times of day - maybe something to do with the sap rising and all that
M

[Malcolm Banks]

Duuh, forgot to add that my "Palmates" were actually Smooth Newts
M

[Jennie]

Thank you Dogghound and Malcolm for your replies.

These are the first newts I have ever seen. I was surprised at how small they are, although I understand that they are the smallest of our three species.

Hopefully I will be lucky enough to find the Smooth and the Crested one day!