For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Great Crested Newts
Scientific 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 over 15 years
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 their skin release a foul-tasting and irritating substance which stops predators from eating them.
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