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Italian Crested Newt

Italian crested newt is a species of newt belonging to the family Salamandridae, found in Italy, south-central Europe and parts of the Balkans.

Size	Up to 16 cm
Color	Dark brown upper surface with a pattern of black spots; orange belly with black spots; patterns of small white spots and dots on the face and throat; females often possess a orange stripe along the backbone
Distribution	Italy, south-central Europe, western Balkans
Habitat	Dry Mediterranean regions, beech woodlands, quarries, artificial water bodies like stony wells, tanks; breeding habitat includes still waters of temporary and permanent pools
Diet	Invertebrates, larval/juvenile amphibians
Predators	Aquatic larvae are preyed upon by fish while adults fall prey to birds, snakes, mammals like badgers and hedgehogs
Breeding Season	Early summer
Mode of Reproduction	Oviparous (egg laying)
Average Lifespan	Up to 11 years
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern