Smooth newt  (Triturus vulgaris)

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

Description

The smooth or common newt is Britain's most widespread newt (2). Both males and females have greenish-brown upperparts, with a whitish belly and cheeks and an orange streak on the belly, which is more pronounced in males (5). The body is covered in black spots, which are larger and more obvious in males than females. Furthermore, during the breeding season males develop an impressive crest that extends from the head to the tail, as well as flaps of skin on the toes. In general, females are much more dull in colour and patterning than males (5). This species is often confused with palmate newts; the presence of spots on the whitish throat provides a sure-fire way of distinguishing a smooth newt from a palmate newt (which never have spots on the throat), although these spots may be less obvious in females (5). Juveniles are similar in appearance to females (2).

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