Starting with its looks, the Northern crested newt is quite a sight! It has a robust and chunky body that can reach up to 6 inches in length, making it one of the largest newt species in its range. The most striking feature of this newt is its dramatic, jagged crest that runs along its back and tail, which is particularly prominent in males during the breeding season. The skin of the Northern crested newt is dark, usually a deep black or brown, speckled with lighter whitish or orange spots that provide a beautiful contrast. Underneath, they exhibit a bright, sometimes fiery orange belly covered in a pattern of black spots – a warning sign to predators about their toxic nature.
The habitat of the Northern crested newt is as interesting as its appearance. These newts prefer pond environments for breeding but spend much of the year in terrestrial habitats such as forests, grasslands, and gardens. They are quite particular about their breeding sites, often returning to the same pond year after year. These ponds are usually free from fish, which might prey on the newt’s eggs and larvae.
The larvae of the Northern crested newt are aquatic and have feathery gills protruding from the sides of their heads, a typical newt feature. They spend about three months in this form before undergoing metamorphosis to become land-dwelling juveniles. Remarkably, it can take these newts up to three years to mature fully and return to water to breed.
Distribution
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
France
Germany
Hungary
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Moldova
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
United KingdomAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
