Great Crested Newt
ExploreAmphibians
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
Category
AmphibiansRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
2
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
Ability
Regeneration Power
Great Crested Newt can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their eyes because this helps them recover from injuries.
Ability
Toxic Shield
Great Crested Newt has skin that produces mild toxins because this helps protect them from predators.
Ability
Skin Breather
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
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 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
How many eggs does Great Crested Newt lay?
100-400
How long does Great Crested Newt take to complete metamorphosis?
60-120 days
Snap Map
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