Palmate Newt
The Palmate Newt (Triturus helveticus) is a small newt common throughout the UK. The Palmate newt is a relatively small species, males reaching only about 8.5 cm and females 9.5 cm. The base colour of both sexes is olive-green or brown, a dark mask-like line runs across the head through the eyes; males and some females have a dark spotting on the back. Sometimes confused with the Smooth Newt, the palmate does not have the spotted throat of the smooth newt, but both sexes have a yellow or...
Continue Reading
http://britishwildlife.wikia.com
Newts in my Pond
Yes, didn't take long to identify which type of newt they were. I have counted seven of the little beasties, all visible at the same time. Two females; three males; not sure about the others. All of them are very dark in colour apart from one which is an orangy buff. Don't really see that one at all as it is probably concerned about predators. Anyway, we had cut the vegetation back from the pond and suddenly they had sun! So there they were, sunbathing and generally frolicking about the place, when I noticed a strange behaviour. Just like in this video.
-
Mating behaviour
Babies?
Since palmate newts like to fold leaves to provide protection for the eggs, and I can see at least three suspiciously neatly folded leaves, we may well have the pleasure of two or three baby newts in a few weeks. Luckily Exeter has a mild climate. Anyhoo, this is the pond in question. It was built by a good friend who also constructed the terrace in which it sits. Two sides are untouched vegetation (untouched for some seven years oops) so they have plenty of places to hibernate. They're newts, they can climb!
-
My Pond. Not very big, soft water (slightly acidic) quite shallow due to rotting vegetation. Newt heaven, apparently! :)
Join the Discussion