Amphibian · GBIF taxon 5218405
Smooth Newt
Lissotriton vulgarisAlso known as Common Newt, European Newt, Northern Smooth Newt
Smooth newts undergo a striking annual transformation, shifting from dry, velvety terrestrial skin to smooth aquatic bodies adorned with wavy dorsal crests on breeding males in spring. Females lay individual eggs carefully wrapped in the leaves of aquatic plants to protect them from hungry predators. Outside the breeding months, these secretive amphibians spend most of their time hidden in damp land microhabitats, hunting small invertebrates through leaf litter.
AmphibianAquaticNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Earthworms
- Insect Larvae
- Water Fleas
Predators
- Grass Snake
- Grey Heron
- Large Fish
ThreatsHabitat destruction, drainage of breeding ponds, agricultural pollution, and introduced predatory fish.
HabitatsDeciduous woodlands, damp meadows, gardens, ponds, ditches, and slow-moving streams.
Life span6 to 14 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySalamandridae
- SpeciesLissotriton vulgaris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Pond Observing: Visit shallow pond edges with a flashlight on warm spring nights to spot courting adults.
- Log Turning: Check underneath damp garden logs during autumn, replacing debris gently in its original placement.
- Biosecurity: Clean and dry boots and dip nets between water bodies to prevent spreading amphibian pathogens.
Predator Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Gilles San Martin from Namur, Belgium / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Co-Occurring Relative Rainer Theuer. / Public domain · cc0
Co-Occurring Relative Unknown / CC-BY · cc-by
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