Alpine Newt
ExploreAmphibians
Alpine Newt
Mesotriton alpestris
The Alpine Newt is a small, colorful amphibian that loves to live in cool, wet places. It has a bright orange belly and can be found near ponds and streams in the mountains.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Alpine Newt is a small amphibian with smooth skin, typically displaying a dark grey to bluish-black back and flanks. Its most striking feature is a bright, unspotted orange to vivid yellow belly. Males may have a low, finely spotted crest during breeding season.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilySalamandridaeGenusIchthyosaura
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
Wow! Alpine Newts often travel far from water to find food on land after breeding!
Wow! Some young Alpine Newts stay as larvae for over a year if conditions are right!
Wow! Their bright orange belly serves as a warning sign to potential predators!
Wow! They lay eggs one-by-one, folding each into a plant leaf for safety.
Special abilities
Ability
Regeneration Master
Alpine Newt can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their eyes and brain because of special cells that help them repair injuries.
Ability
Aquatic Breath
Alpine Newt can live underwater for long periods, developing a tail fin and smooth skin that helps them swim and breathe through their skin.
Ability
Skin Shield
Alpine Newt has glands in its skin that produce mild toxins, helping them deter predators who try to eat them.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 8-12 cm
- Weight
- 0.0015-0.01 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 100-250
- Metamorphosis
- 60-120 days
Watch
Diet & Feeding
Tiny newts munch on small bugs and other invertebrates both in water and on land.
Age differences: Young larvae eat even tinier aquatic organisms like plankton.
Primary Foods
- Insect larvae
- Small crustaceans
- Snails
- Worms
- Tadpoles
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Brown Trout prey on newt larvae and adults in water.
eaten by
Grass Snake
Natrix natrix
Grass Snakes hunt newts on land and near water.
hunts
Midge
Chironomus plumosus
Newts actively hunt midge larvae in aquatic environments.
eaten by
Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Grey Herons can catch newts in shallow water.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after touching any wild animals, including newts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Alpine Newt?
8-12 cm
How much does Alpine Newt weigh?
0.0015-0.01 kg
How long does Alpine Newt live?
6-10 years
How fast can Alpine Newt move?
0.5 km/h
What does Alpine Newt eat?
Tiny newts munch on small bugs and other invertebrates both in water and on land.
Where is Alpine Newt usually found?
Mountain regions
How does Alpine Newt hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Alpine Newt lay?
100-250
Snap Map
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