Latin name:  Triturus cristatus

Size:  Up to 17cm in length

Distribution:  Found in low numbers in most parts of England, Wales and southern Scotland. Absent from Northern Ireland.

Months seen:  February to October.

Life Span:  Usually 6 years, but there are records of some living for 15 years or more.

Habitat:  During spring and summer they can be found in, or near, ponds and streams. In autumn they hibernate on dry land.

Food:  Insects, worms and slugs.  The tadpoles eat aquatic insects, insect larvae, water fleas and worms.

Special features:  The great crested newt is a protected species. It is illegal to catch or handle great crested newts unless they are in immediate danger.

During springtime, the male has a large crest running along its back (hence the name) and a bright orange belly. They are sometimes called the 'warty newt' as their skin is very bumpy.

Special glands in the skin release a foul-tasting and irritating substance which stops predators from eating them.

Related Pages

• Amphibian Section
• UK Safari News