# Lissotriton The Lissotriton, also known as the smooth newt, is a small, colorful amphibian that loves to swim and explore ponds. They have smooth skin and can be found in gardens and wetlands. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Lissotriton](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Teichmolch-triturus-vulgaris.jpg&width=800) Photo: Holger Krisp, CC BY 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Teichmolch-triturus-vulgaris.jpg) ## Appearance The Lissotriton is a small newt, typically brownish-green with a bright yellow or orange belly, often dotted with dark spots. During breeding, males develop a distinct wavy crest along their backs and tails. Its smooth, moist skin helps differentiate it from rough-skinned toads. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Caudata - **Family:** Salamandridae - **Genus:** Lissotriton ## Interesting facts - Baby newts, called larvae, use feathery gills to breathe underwater, totally different from adults! - Each female newt can carefully lay hundreds of tiny eggs, one by one, on underwater leaves! - Male newts grow amazing wavy crests during springtime to attract mates! - When cold, newts can hibernate in mud or under logs until warmer weather returns! ## Special abilities - **Super Regeneration:** Lissotriton can regrow lost limbs, parts of their tail, jaws, or even eyes because of special stem cells. - **Toxic Shield:** Lissotriton has skin glands that produce mild toxins, helping them deter hungry predators that might try to eat them. - **Skin Breathing:** Lissotriton can absorb oxygen directly through their moist skin, which helps them breathe underwater or on land. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 6-11 cm - **Weight:** 0.002-0.01 kg - **Lifespan:** 6-10 years - **Speed:** 0.5 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 100-300 - **Metamorphosis:** 60-90 days ## Diet & Feeding Lissotriton are little hunters, feasting on small creepy-crawlies both in water and on land! - **Age differences:** Larvae primarily eat aquatic invertebrates like water fleas; adults consume a broader range of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates. - **Primary Foods:** insect larvae, small snails, slugs, worms, water fleas, amphipods - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [Grass Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grass-snake) (*Natrix natrix*) — often preys on adult newts. - **Eats:** Mallard (*Anas platyrhynchos*) — ducks can consume newts in ponds. - **Hunts:** [Broad-bodied Chaser](https://www.snappit.app/explore/broad-bodied-chaser) (*Libellula depressa*) — dragonfly larvae prey on newt larvae. - **Eats:** Common Earthworm (*Lumbricus terrestris*) — newts eat these worms on land. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always wash your hands after touching newts, as they can have sensitive skin. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Lissotriton? 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 Lissotriton? 6-11 cm ### How much does Lissotriton weigh? 0.002-0.01 kg ### How long does Lissotriton live? 6-10 years ### How fast can Lissotriton move? 0.5 km/h ### What does Lissotriton eat? Lissotriton are little hunters, feasting on small creepy-crawlies both in water and on land! ### Where is Lissotriton usually found? Wetlands ### How does Lissotriton hunt? Ambush ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Lissotriton: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lissotriton)