Calotriton – European brook newts

The European brook newts are a fascinating group of amphibians found in mountainous regions of southwestern Europe. This genus includes two species: the Pyrenean brook newt (Calotriton asper) and the Montseny brook newt (Calotriton arnoldi), both of which are uniquely adapted to life in cold, fast-flowing streams. These newts are known for their rugged appearance, streamlined bodies, and reclusive habits, making them a symbol of the pristine mountain ecosystems they inhabit.

The Pyrenean brook newt is the more widespread of the two, found in the Pyrenees mountain range spanning France and Spain. Its skin is rough and dark, with shades of brown or gray, often mottled with lighter or darker spots for camouflage against rocky streambeds. In contrast, the Montseny brook newt, which is critically endangered, has a more restricted range, limited to a few streams in the Montseny mountain range of northeastern Spain.

Brook newts in the Calotriton genus are predominantly aquatic, spending most of their lives in the water. Their habitats are usually high-altitude streams with clear, fast-moving currents, surrounded by dense forests. These streams provide the cool temperatures and high oxygen levels that the newts require. Their streamlined bodies and flattened tails make them excellent swimmers, allowing them to move effortlessly through turbulent waters.

Their diet consists mainly of small aquatic invertebrates, such as insect larvae, crustaceans, and worms. They are opportunistic feeders, relying on their sharp eyesight and quick reflexes to catch prey in their underwater environment. This role as a predators of small stream organisms helps maintain the ecological balance in their habitats.