Smooth newt

Triturus vulgaris
True salamanders (Salamandridae)

Small brown-grey newt occasionally with some folds on the back. The ♂ has dark markings on back and flanks, white belly with dark markings and an orange central line. The ♀ has a brown back with a lighter central line and small markings on the belly.

Before breeding they change, the skin becomes smooth and some webbing forms between the toes. The ♂ develops a bright orange-red belly and a crest on the back and tail, the tail has the crest on both sides. The ♀ develops a smaller crest on both sides of the tail. At this stage, they live in the water, also when maturing and mating. At other times they live on land feeding on insects and bugs. In winter, they hibernate. Larvae resemble tadpoles. 

⇔ l. 7-11 cm, including the tail.

syn. LISSOTRITON VULGARIS

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