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Palmate Newt

Palmate newt is a species of newt occurring in large parts of Western Europe. The species is crepuscular and secretive.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Amphibia
    Order Caudata
    Family Salamandridae
    Genus Lissotriton
    Scientific Name Lissotriton helveticus


    Size Male: Around 8.5 cm
    Female: Around 9.5 cm
    Weight Male: 1.50-2.15 g
    Female: 2.10-2.39 g
    Color Olive-green or brown base color with a dark mask-like line running across the head and through the eyes; yellow or pale-orange bellies with scattered small black spots; unspotted pinkish throat; an orange central line pass along the length of the tail bordered by two rows of dark blotches
    Distribution Northern Spain and Portugal, much of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and northern Switzerland, extreme western Czech Republic
    Habitat Ponds, lakes, marshes, canals, pasture, forests, agricultural land; sometimes in acid pools on upland moorland or coastal areas
    Diet Variety of invertebrates, small crustaceans, daphnia, planktonic animals, frog tadpoles
    Hibernation Fact Hibernate during winter on land under logs and stones
    Predators Fish, snakes, water birds, hedgehogs, weasels, stoats, rats
    Breeding Season February to May
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 100 to 300 eggs
    Incubation Period 2 to 3 weeks
    Metamorphosis Period 6 to 9 weeks
    Reproductive Age 2 years of age
    Average Lifespan Up to 10 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Palmate Newt Pictures Gallery

    Published on March 29th 2017 by under Newts. Article was last reviewed on 30th September 2019.

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