Great Crested Newt - Excitement

AndrewA123 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 09:32 AM

Hi All,

Well after having built a wildlife pond about 8 weeks ago, it is already very much enjoyed by at least 7 frogs (2 being this years as only about 3/4 inch long). we've also a large selection of mosquito larvae and are amassing a fair number of small snails.

But yesterday afternoon was a great sight, a newt. I immediately grabbed the book and checked out what it was. Never did I imagine it would be a Great Crestie, but it most certainly is, and a female to boot. To say I'm overjoyed is an understatement

Now for my questions. Firstly it does not appear to be overly active, more just floating on or near the surface then diving down, then floating back up. when in the shallows and on plants it's walking fine, all limbs and tail seem to move fine. is this normal behaviour ? I'm used to frogs zipping around the pond like they have a motor, so something as calm as this is different

It does appear to have a general swelling just behind mid way down the body, in front of the back legs. Could this be eggs ?

The book I've got reports eggs laid between April and late July, so that would fit in well. It appears that the newt has taken (temporary) residence as it was visible this morning hiding under the edge of a rock.

I'm aware that I can't handle or otherwise interfere with the newt (nor would I want to - that's why I built the pond!), however is there anything I can place in or around the pond to help ? I'm guessing all it requires is there already otherwise it would have used one of the huge ponds near by, but best to ask

Thanks

King Edward · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 01:47 PM

How big is the newt? Floating near the surface doesn't sound very typical behaviour for a Great Crested Newt - normally they hide at the bottom during the day and are more active at night.

Matt Smith · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 03:14 PM

How big is this newt. Unless it is a big black animal 12-15 cm long it is unlikely to be a female GCN. A photo would help.

GCN lova · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 05:05 PM

isnt it normally march/ april- june when they lay eggs? sounds more like a smooth or palmate newt. GCNs are roughly 12- 17cm as adults and so are the biggest newts in the uk.

AndrewA123 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 05:46 PM

hi both, thanks for the replies. I've come in from work tonight and the newt is still in the pond, but more active and in among the roots of the water hyacinths.

from my books it looks certain to be a great crested female, about 14cm long, black with textured skin, lots of small white spots to lower body, orange colouration around toes and tail, orange/yellow spotted underside visible when diving.

I was hoping to get a few photo's this evening but as it's in among the trailing roots I fancy it could be more tricky.

I will attempt this later.

GCN lova · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 07:44 PM

sounds like a GCN. they are black - greyish and have orange undersides. the females are crestless but the males will begin to absorb their crests by now.

Mark_b · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011, 10:55 PM

This swelling sounds odd? Female GCN with eggs look fat but I wouldn't say it looks like a swelling and although some egg laying may still be going on the vast majority should be over, so she shouldn't have a big belly.

AndrewA123 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-07-2011, 08:09 AM

Thanks all, The newt is still in the pond, but appears to be generally lethargic, the swelling is less noticeable this morning than it was on Sunday, but still appears to be there. I have contacted the local Wildlife trusts for advice too.

Many Thanks

dampflippers · #9 (**permalink**) 12-07-2011, 08:27 AM

Look for Brian Laney on these boards. He is amphibian recorder for your county.
His name here is Lizard orchid hi everyone from Brian Laney
I am sure he would like to hear of your sighting (send a pm) and may advise on its bulge if not just pregnancy.

hi everyone from Brian Laney

One thing though- if they are hunting they sometimes go into funny shapes when they are about to pounce.

AndrewA123 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-07-2011, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dampflippers

One thing though- if they are hunting they sometimes go into funny shapes when they are about to pounce.

Thanks, This could be the "Odd" shape it's forming, tail and rear legs at something like 45 degrees from vertical with front half of body horizontal near the water surface, head protruding slightly. I have seen this then lunge to one of the many flies on the surface.

Perhaps I'm worrying unduly. It's just that I'd hate to think I ignored it and it died.

I'll drop Brian a PM. Cheers.