Great Crested Newt
colours
Description
The Great Crested Newt is Britains largest newt and also it's most threatened.
They appear almost black to the naked eye but in fact have grey/brown colouration covered in dark spots and a wart like skin. The underbelly is a yellowish orange colour with black blotches. The male is easily distinguished from the female by his jagged crest that runs down his back with a silvery blue stripe running to the end of the til.
Primary Image
Scientific Name
Triturus cristatus
Distribution
They are found in mainland Britain being widespread throughout the south east and north west of England but are scarcer in Scotland, Wales and the south west of England.
Their decline is thought to be attributed to a combination of factors - destruction of it's habitat, pollution and a decline in breeding ponds and insensitive management.
Life Span
Around 25 years
Habitat
Their natural habitat is medium to large weedy ponds, ditches and marshes close to hedgerows, pasture and arable land, especially where there are log piles and rocks nearby as they tend to lie under logs and rocks during the day. They live predominately on land but seek water for breeding purposes.
Length
Males - 15cm. Females - 18cm
Confusion Species
Reproduction
The breeding season lasts from May to June and during this time they will spend the day in deep water while at night they will use shallow water for breeding purposes. The feamle lays between 50 and 500 eggs.
Also Known As
Diet
Behaviour
The newt hibernates during the Winter - from October until March and usually on land in a frost free environment, returning annualy to it's breeding ground when the water temperature has risensufficiently to allow breeding.
Status
The Great Crested Newt is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countrysiede Act (1981)