Great Crested Newt

Triturus cristatus

The Great Crested Newt is known for its bumpy skin and beautiful crest. They are good swimmers and love to explore!

Habitat: Ponds and marshes

Appearance

The Great Crested Newt is a large, robust newt with dark brown to black warty skin. Its belly is bright orange or yellow with irregular black spots. Males develop a spectacular jagged crest along their back during the breeding season, making them look like miniature dragons.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilySalamandridaeGenusTriturus

Great Crested Newt

Interesting facts

During breeding, males grow a spectacular jagged crest like a miniature dragon!

Their bright orange and black spotted belly is unique to each newt, like a fingerprint!

Their bumpy, warty skin helps them blend in with the muddy pond bottom or damp soil.

They wrap each tiny egg in a leaf, one by one, to keep it safe from danger!

Special abilities

Great Crested Newt can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their eyes because this helps them recover from injuries.

Great Crested Newt has skin that produces mild toxins because this helps protect them from predators.

Great Crested Newt can absorb oxygen directly through their skin because this helps them breathe underwater for long periods.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-17 cm
Weight: 0.005-0.015 kg
Lifespan: 6-15 years
Clutch Size: 100-400
Metamorphosis: 60-120 days

Diet & Feeding

These newts are small predators, eating tiny insects, worms, and even other amphibian larvae.

Age differences: Larvae eat tiny aquatic organisms, while adults feast on larger insects and larvae.

Primary Foods

Pond snails
Insect larvae
Aquatic worms
Tadpoles
Small crustaceans

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

Eaten by

Grass Snake

Natrix natrix

A common predator on land and near breeding ponds.

Eaten by

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

Wading bird that preys on newts in the water.

Eats

Great Pond Snail

Lymnaea stagnalis

An important food source for adult newts.

Eaten by

Great Diving Beetle

Dytiscus marginalis

Its larvae are fierce predators of newt larvae.

Traits

Wildlife

Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.

Webbed Feet

Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.

Crested

Crested describes animals possessing a prominent tuft of feathers, hair, or skin on their head.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Freshwater

Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.

Nocturnal

Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

Also known as

Crested NewtNorthern Crested Newt

Collections

Amphibians Reptiles & Amphibians

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Great Crested Newt?

Compare body shape, toes, markings, tail and skin texture. Tadpoles and larvae can look nothing like the adults they turn into. Amphibian Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Great Crested Newt?

10-17 cm

How much does Great Crested Newt weigh?

0.005-0.015 kg

How long does Great Crested Newt live?

6-15 years

What does Great Crested Newt eat?

These newts are small predators, eating tiny insects, worms, and even other amphibian larvae.

Where is Great Crested Newt usually found?

Ponds and marshes

How does Great Crested Newt hunt?

Ambush