Great crested newt  (Triturus cristatus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The great crested newt is Britain's largest and most threatened newt (5). The body is generally dark brown to black in colour with a warty appearance, which gives the species its other common name, the warty newt (6). The underside is bright orange with black markings that are unique to each individual. Females tend to be slightly longer than males, and in the breeding season the latter develop an obvious crest between the head and the tail, and a silver streak along the middle of the tail. The specific name cristatus derives from the Latin word meaning crested (7). Outside the breeding season, males and females are fairly similar in appearance, but females always have an orange line on the tail (6). Juveniles generally look like females but may have a yellow stripe along the back (6).

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