Common Newt
ExploreAmphibians
Common Newt
Lissotriton vulgaris
The Common Newt is a tiny, slimy creature that swims and walks on land. They have a cool wiggly tail that helps them swim fast!
Habitat: Ponds, marshes, and gardens
Appearance
The Common Newt is a small amphibian with smooth, often olive-brown to dark brown skin, and a distinctive orange or yellow belly covered in black spots. Males develop a wavy crest along their back during breeding season, making them visually different from females and other newt species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderCaudataFamilySalamandridaeGenusLissotriton
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
2
Interesting facts
Common newts spend winter snuggled deep underground or hidden in logs!
Each female newt carefully wraps her eggs in leaves, one at a time!
Male newts grow a fancy, wavy crest just for showing off to females!
They can breathe through their skin, even underwater!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Regeneration
Common Newts can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even eye parts because of their incredible regenerative abilities.
Ability
Seasonal Style
The Common Newt changes skin texture and coloration that helps them camouflage or attract mates seasonally.
Ability
Sticky Trap Tongue
The Common Newt has a quick, sticky tongue that helps them snatch small insects and worms on land.
Ability
Underwater Navigator
Common Newts can swim gracefully using their flattened tail, which helps them move through aquatic habitats.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 8-11 cm
- Weight
- 0.002-0.005 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 100-300
- Metamorphosis
- 60-120 days
Diet & Feeding
Tiny newts feast on small invertebrates, both in water and on land, keeping their habitats healthy.
Age differences: Larvae eat microscopic plankton; adults hunt larger insects and worms.
Primary Foods
- insect larvae
- water fleas
- worms
- slugs
- snails
- small crustaceans
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Mallard duck
Anas platyrhynchos
Ducks sometimes prey on newts, especially juveniles.
eaten by
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
Large fish like pike can eat adult common newts.
hunts
Common house mosquito
Culex pipiens
Newts eat mosquito larvae, helping control populations.
eats
Water flea
Daphnia pulex
Newt larvae filter-feed on these tiny aquatic organisms.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
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.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Eurasian NewtNorthern Newt
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Common Newt?
8-11 cm
How much does Common Newt weigh?
0.002-0.005 kg
How long does Common Newt live?
6-10 years
How fast can Common Newt move?
0.5 km/h
What does Common Newt eat?
Tiny newts feast on small invertebrates, both in water and on land, keeping their habitats healthy.
Where is Common Newt usually found?
Ponds, marshes, and gardens
How does Common Newt hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Common Newt lay?
100-300
Snap Map
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